Most of the new dramas and comedies have at least one minority character. Despite the increased minority representation, the multiethnic coalition that pressed the diversity initiatives is dissatisfied, saying the four networks did not go far enough. The progress is incremental,'' said Alex Nogales, head of the National Hispanic Media Coalition.
Writers are very important.
Without writers, you retain these stereotypical characters. The initiatives were sparked in 1999 when the networks unveiled a slate of new prime-time shows, none of which had a minority in a leading role. Later this week, the coalition is expected to release report cards for each network critical of the fall schedules. And off the studio lots, some minority writers and producers are also grumbling that while a few nonwhite actors are featured in the fall shows, the overwhelming majority of lead actors in new dramas and comedies remains white. Fox's head of diversity, Mitsy Wilson, understands that discontent, but she is more optimistic.