In December, the National Latino Media Council issued its ninth annual network television report card, grading the four largest commercial networks on their ability to hire Hispanic talent.
The council measures institutional programs and efforts to bring Latinos into the employment ranks both in front of and behind the camera; hiring that is concrete and measurable; and the submission of clear, statistical data used to accurately grade diversity performance.
Often, the news is the same grim and downbeat assessment lamenting a lack of change. This year, though, most of the grades for most of the networks reflected above-average results.
ABC received an overall grade of B plus.
“In recent years, ABC has been more successful than any other network in promoting Latino actors on scripted shows,” the council said, citing Eva Longoria Parker of “Desperate Housewives,” America Ferrera of “Ugly Betty” and Sara Ramirez of “Grey’s Anatomy” as three Hispanics who “play groundbreaking roles that shatter traditional stereotypes.”
The council applauded ABC’s investment of time and money to develop Latino writers, but noted the network needed to improve its number of Latino directors, which is down to four – half as many as in 2007 – and the number of creative executives, with only one Hispanic in this field.
“It’s essential that Latinos be at the table where decisions are being made about original content and talent,” the council said.
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