Plus la même chose

From US News Wire:

A new report issued today by the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC) finds that the television networks' efforts to increase diversity among their talents over the last year has in some cases, not only stalled, but is deteriorating.

"Primetime television this season does not mirror the realities of the growing numbers of Asian Pacific Americans in the USA," said Karen K. Narasaki, president of the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) and chair, Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC). "It is disappointing that five years into this effort, we don't have much greater progress."

The report, The 2005 Asian Pacific American Report Card on Television Diversity, is based on data provided by ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Since 2000, they have had agreements with APAMC and other coalitions to increase their diversity onscreen and behind the camera.

"The number of regular roles in primetime television for Asian Pacific American (APAs) actors increased by one since last year for a total of 17," said Narasaki. "However, not all of the regular roles held by them are truly quality roles. Moreover, the number of APA actors in recurring roles fell precipitously at three of the four networks: NBC, CBS and FOX."

According to the report, none of the networks earned more than a C+ for their overall grade. For the first time, ABC received the highest grade of the four networks. FOX and NBC dropped to a C, while CBS remains unchanged at C(minus).

Only ABC continues to consistently improve, earning the highest overall grade of C+. ABC is benefiting from the significant long-term investments it has made in pushing for more diversity in the network.

"We believe that their progress is dependent upon increasing the number of writers and show runners who feel comfortable writing and producing for Asian American talents," said Narasaki.

APAMC members include such organizations as the Asian American Justice Center, the Center for Asian American Media, East-West Players, the Japanese American Citizens League, Media Action Network for Asian Americans, the Organization of Chinese Americans, and Visual Communications.

The full report is available here.

The Asian American Justice Center, formerly known as NAPALC, is a national organization dedicated to defending and advancing the civil and human rights of Asian Americans.