CBS Needs to Improve on Inclusion of LGBT People
January 31, 2010
On Friday GLAAD called on CBS to address an apparent bias in its Super Bowl advertising decisions after CBS declined to air a commercial with gay content during the Super Bowl because the “creative is not within the Network’s Broadcast Standards for Super bowl Sunday.”
“CBS has a problem when they do something like this at the same time as they allow an anti-gay group like Focus on the Family to place ads during the Super Bowl,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “This network should come clean to the public about what’s going on because this seems to be a homophobic double standard.”
Earlier in the week, GLAAD released a Call to Action for community members and allies to speak out when CBS allowed the anti-gay group Focus on the Family to advertise during the Super Bowl after having unfairly denied that ability to the LGBT-inclusive United Church of Christ in previous years.
Adam Lambert Performing at the American Music Awards in 2009
This latest controversy is not the first time that CBS has been called out for failing to be LGBT inclusive. In November 2009, GLAAD released a statement calling out another double standard when CBS The Early Show blurred Adam Lambert’s same-sex kiss in a news segment showing his appearance at the American Music Awards.
“I would have hoped CBS would provide the same treatment for images of gay and lesbian people and not create an unfair double standard that treats our community differently,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios at the time. “CBS regularly shows kisses throughout every daypart. The kiss was not blurred on ABC nor in news coverage on other networks. While we continue to applaud The Early Show for featuring Adam Lambert today, we have reached out to the show’s producers to express our concerns about their decision and offer ways they can make their coverage of gay and transgender people more fair.”
CBS The Early Show last year also came under fire from GLAAD and Media Matters for America after they hosted anti-gay commentator Ann Coulter and gave her a platform to promote her latest book.
CBS’ fictional programming is equally as controversial when it comes to LGBT inclusion. In GLAAD’s Network Responsibility Index, an annual report that maps the quantity, quality and diversity of images of LGBT people on television, CBS received a “failing” rating last year. CBS was the only broadcast network to post a significant decline, having received an Adequate rating the previous year.
CBS saw the greatest decline among the broadcast networks, dropping to last place among broadcast networks with 60 hours (5%) of LGBT-inclusive content, out of 1,148 total hours of primetime programming. As in the past, the bulk of CBS’ LGBT impressions (72%) came from its alternative and reality programming.
CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler acknowledged her network’s deficit in LGBT representation and pledged to work toward greater inclusion. However, CBS continues to disappoint with zero LGBT series regular characters and only one recurring LGBT character this season.
But CBS does know how to include LGBT people in news and entertainment programming in a fair and accurate way. The New Adventures of Old Christine featured the wedding between Christine and her best friend Barb in 2008 and raised important awareness about the legal and social problems that LGBT couples face. This storyline resulted in the show receiving the GLAAD Media Award last year for Outstanding Individual Episode – in a Series without a Regular LGBT Character. Also, CBS The Early Show featured an interview with transgender Methodist minister David Weekly and his wife in 2009, providing viewers an important window into the lives of transgender people of faith. The segment is nominated for a GLAAD Media Award.
But CBS’ recent decisions regarding advertisements for the Super Bowl clearly demonstrate that the network needs to have a candid conversation with the LGBT community about what is going on and do more to include stories and images of our lives. GLAAD will be requesting meetings with executives at CBS to address the apparent double standards and advocate for greater LGBT inclusion.
What to Watch: Tuesday, January 12
January 12, 2010
It’s baaaaack! TV’s most popular show returns, minus Paula Abdul. But with no Ellen for another month, her American Idol judge’s seat will be kept warm tonight by Posh Spice herself, the fabulous Victoria Beckham.
Tuesday, January 12
Victoria Beckham joins Simon, Kara and Randy as American Idol's 9th season kicks off with Boston auditions
8:00 pm American Idol, Fox (2 hrs) SEASON PREMIERE
Tonight’s the night we’ve all been waiting for! The show that gave us the gift of “Glambert” returns for its ninth season tonight. New judge Ellen DeGeneres won’t appear until Hollywood Week next month, but check out the Boston auditions tonight with guest judge Victoria Beckham.
8:30 pm Better Off Ted, ABC (30 min) NEW
A typo in an office-wide memo about inappropriate behavior at Veridian orders all of the employees to use offensive language. Starring out actors Portia de Rossi and Jonathan Slavin.
9:30 pm Better Off Ted, ABC (30 min) NEW
Ted and Veronica square off against Ted’s arch-nemesis who is trying to sabotage the project that the team has been working on. He clearly doesn’t know better than to step on Veronica’s feet. Starring out actors Portia de Rossi and Jonathan Slavin.
10:00 pm Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Bravo (1 hr) SEASON FINALE
In the season’s final new episode, Tabatha travels to Illinois to help rescue a failing salon.
What to Watch: Wednesday
December 16, 2009
Not only do you get to find out who Americans have deemed their favorite dancer on So You Think You Can Dance, but you also get Adam Lambert dropping by for a performance?! Best hump day ever!
Wednesday, December16
Adam Lambert to perform on finale of SYTYCD
8:00 pm So You Think You Can Dance, FOX (2 hrs) SEASON FINALE
The season six winner is chosen in part two of the season finale. Plus the fabulous Adam Lambert performs his second single, “Whataya Want From Me.”
8:00 pm The New Adventures of Old Christine, CBS (30 min) NEW
Christine decides to go to the neighborhood holiday party where she discovers something very interesting about her neighbor (Molly Shannon).
8:00 pm The Vampire Diaries, The CW (2 hr) REPEAT
Stefan cover begins to break after a stranger tells Elena he recognizes Stefan from 1953. Thus in the next episode Stefan is forced to tell Elena everything. Created by out producer Kevin Williamson.
9:00 pm Modern Family, ABC (30 min) REPEAT
Phil tries to teach his son about responsibility, which back fires. Meanwhile Mitchell and Cameron sign up for Mommy & Me class while Jay and Manny work on their father/son relationship.
10:00 pm Real World Road Rules Challenge: The Ruins, MTV (1 hr) NEW
The cast reunites to talk about the season.
10:00 pm Nip/Tuck, FX (1 hr) SERIES FINALE
Sean faces a dilemma when he is asked to remove fat from a prisoner on death row while Christian and Kimber get life changing news.
11:00 pm Launch My Line, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
The fabulous out twins of Dsquared2 come to the aid of designers and artists dying to have their own fashion line. Can these random duos get past their egos and make it work? Watch and see!
ABC Hears GLAAD: Books Adam Lambert on The View
December 4, 2009
After discussions with GLAAD regarding the cancellation of Adam Lambert’s planned appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, ABC has listened to our concerns and booked Adam to appear and perform next week on The View.
Adam broke the news tonight via his Twitter profile:
GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios also released the following statement:
“ABC has taken a step towards fairness by inviting Adam Lambert to perform on The View,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the GLAAD. “GLAAD has been advocating against the double standards that have been applied to Lambert as an openly gay performer. We thank community members and allies for voicing their concerns with ABC so that entertainers like Adam have the opportunity to be broadcast into living rooms across America.”
GLAAD has consistently stated that ABC’s treatment of Adam Lambert over the past two weeks has been subjecting him to a an unfair double standard. We are pleased that ABC has decided to give Adam the opportunity to appear on the network amidst the fall out from his performance at the American Music Awards.
Related Posts:GLAAD Reacts to Early Show’s Decision to Blur Adam Lambert Kiss
November 25, 2009
Yesterday, GLAAD issued a statement applauding CBS for its decision to feature Adam Lambert on The Early Show after Good Morning America cancelled his planned appearance. However, during the broadcast this morning, The Early Show made the decision to blur the image of Adam kissing his keyboardist. In response, GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios has issued the following statement:
The Early Show blurred the image of Adam Lambert kissing his male keyboardist
“The Early Show’s decision this morning to blur Adam Lambert’s kiss from the American Music Awards reinforces an unfortunate double standard that is applied to openly gay performers,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “I would have hoped CBS would provide the same treatment for images of gay and lesbian people and not create an unfair double standard that treats our community differently. CBS regularly shows kisses throughout every daypart. The kiss was not blurred on ABC nor in news coverage on other networks. While we continue to applaud The Early Show for featuring Adam Lambert today, we have reached out to the show’s producers to express our concerns about their decision and offer ways they can make their coverage of gay and transgender people more fair.”
Related Posts:Good Morning America Cancels Adam Lambert Appearance After Racy AMA Performance
November 24, 2009
On ABC’s Sunday night broadcast of the 2009 American Music Awards, American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert gave a show-stopping performance of his lead single “For Your Entertainment,” that ultimately proved to be quite controversial.
Since coming out on the cover of Rolling Stone in June, there’s no denying that Lambert has become the most prominent openly gay music performer of the year. In a show packed with A-List talent such as Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Kelly Clarkson, and the openly bisexual Lady Gaga, Lambert was chosen for the plum show-closing performance at the AMA’s, a strong testament to America’s anticipation for his debut album, For Your Entertainment, which was released yesterday.
Prior to the show, Lambert promised MTV that his AMA performance would be “sexy” and he certainly delivered. Strutting amongst leather-clad musicians and dancers, Lambert made out with a male keyboardist, danced suggestively with numerous dancers of both genders and simulated oral sex with a male dancer on a leash. The simulated oral sex was censored for the West Coast broadcast, though the rest of the performance was shown in full.
Not surprisingly, the performance sparked the ire of the anti-gay Parent’s Television Council which called on its members to contact ABC and Dick Clark Productions. ABC says they has received 1,500 complaints, though they also say this is only a “moderate” number. It’s unlikely ABC will face any fines from the FCC, which does now allow “indecent material” between the hours of 6-10 PM. Lambert took the stage well after 10 PM.
The fall out continued this morning as ABC’s Good Morning America announced that they had canceled tomorrow’s planned performance by Adam Lambert. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, they said:
“Given his controversial American Music Awards performance, we were concerned about airing a similar concert so early in the morning.”
GLAAD has reached out to ABC to voice our concerns. In positive news however, the above Entertainment Weekly article also reports that CBS‘ The Early Show has booked Lambert to appear, as has David Letterman, so be sure to tune in to CBS tomorrow for your Adam Lambert fix!
Related Posts:What to Watch: This Weekend
November 20, 2009
Don’t miss Adam Lambert and Lady Gaga as they rock out at the 2009 American Music Awards. Wonder what Ms. Gaga will be wearing?
Ms. Gaga will attend Sunday's American Music Awards
Friday, November 20
9:00 pm Stargate Universe, SyFy (1 hrs) NEW
Lt. Scott and Camille return to Earth thanks to the communication stones to spend time with family while the crew discovers new sections of the ship, which yields a promising discovery.
————————————————————————
Saturday, November 21
11:00 pm The Wanda Sykes Show, FOX (1 hr) NEW
Move over Leno! The queen of funny is taking over with her own late night talk show! Don’t miss Wanda comment on everything from news, politics, sports, and pop culture mixed with field pieces, comedy segments, and panel discussions.
————————————————————————
Sunday, November 22
Watch for Adam Lambert at the American Music Awards
8:00 pm 2009 American Music Awards, ABC (2 hrs) PREMIERE
Watch as the top performers gather for the 37th annual American Music Awards. With performances by Adam Lambert and Lady Gaga it will be a night to remember!
8:00 pm The Amazing Race, CBS (1 hrs) NEW
The brothers McMillen journey to Prague in this 21-day, eight-country race around the globe! Will their competitive spirit rub everyone the wrong way? Who cares? They’re fighting for a spot in the final three, after all!
8:00 pm The Simpsons, FOX (30 min) NEW
Bart learns of a famous prankster (Jonah Hill) who walked Springfield Elementary’s halls before him and sets out to find him. No surprise they become fast friends but how old is too old to be a prankster?
9:00 pm Styl’d, MTV (1 hr) NEW
This new reality show follows hungry young stylists as they fight and claw their way through grueling challenges all to win a styling contract and spot on the Margaret Maldonado Agency’s impressive roster of artists. Watch out world, here come the stylists!
9:30 pm American Dad, FOX (30 min) NEW
After crashing a My Morning Jacket concert to drag Hayley home, Stan realizes he likes the band and becomes a groupie and follows them on the road. What will Roger have to do to get Stan back from this one?
What to Watch: This Weekend
June 12, 2009
Kick off your weekend right with recently out American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert on 20/20, then say good-bye to Pushing Daisies on Saturday with out actor Wilson Cruz who guest stars on the series finale, and finally, steamy vamp series True Blood returns on Sunday!
What will Adam Lambert say to 20/20?
Friday, June 12
10:00 pm 20/20, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Adam Lambert stops by for an interview tonight on 20/20; maybe he can clear up why American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi, was blabbing on ABC’s The View.
10:00 pm Real Time with Bill Maher, HBO (1 hr) NEW
This no-holds barred news show is broadcast live, so you never know what to expect. Bill regularly discusses LGBT issues and features gay panelists and commentators, so check it out!
————————————————————————
Saturday, June 13
9:00 pm Groomer Has It, Animal Planet (1 hr) NEW
The final four battle it out on tonight’s green-themed episode. With clippers powered by bikes and a hybrid grooming mobile, will gay contestants Huber and Bill make it to the final three? Watch as Queer Eye’s Jai Rodriguez hosts this campy fave.
10:00 pm Pushing Daisies, ABC (1 hr) SERIES FINALE
When half of a synchronized swimming duo meets with an unfortunate end another duo may get the chance to perform. But the surviving swimmer may know a little too much. Out actor Wilson Cruz guest stars in what’s guaranteed to be one great series finale.
————————————————————————
True Blood's fabulous Lafayette Reynolds played by Nelsan Ellis
Sunday, June 14
9:00 pm True Blood, HBO (1 hr) SEASON PREMIERE
The season two opener finds more drama in the little town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. A body found at Merlotte’s stirs up fear of another murderer in town. The fate of gay drug dealer Lafayette was left up in the air in the season finale, so hopefully he will be back to keep everyone in check.
9:00 pm The Next Food Network Star, Food Network (1 hr) NEW
Watch as gay chef Michael Proietti battles the other eight finalists for the ultimate prize: their own Food Network show; let’s hope the judges like how he “makes food fabulous”.
10:00 pm Brooke Knows Best, VH1 (30 min) NEW
After a year filled with family strife, Brooke Hogan returns to reality TV for a second season. Don’t worry, her choreographer gay BFF Glenn is still living with her.
10:00 pm How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? BBC America (1 hr) NEW
Contestants compete for the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Sound of Music in a production on London’s West End. One of the judges is openly gay actor/singer John Barrowman, with host Graham Norton.
Adam Lambert Comes Out in Rolling Stone
June 9, 2009
As has been rumored for the past couple weeks, American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert graces the cover of the latest issue of Rolling Stone and puts to rest rampant speculation about his sexual orientation.
Adam Lambert bares all
From rollingstone.com:
“I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay,” Lambert says in the new issue of Rolling Stone, hitting newsstands this week. “I’m proud of my sexuality,” Lambert adds. “I embrace it. It’s just another part of me.”
In the cover story, Lambert also reveals why he didn’t come out on the show, as well as a secret crush on roommate and American Idol winner Kris Allen.
Despite speculation of a rivalry, Allen and Lambert have become close friends. Today, Allen revealed himself to be a strong ally, expressing his support for Lambert and his boyfriend, Drake LaBry.
From people.com:
“I think he’s happier that he can be himself and it’s nice,” Allen says of Lambert, 27, stepping out with his friend Drake LaBry. “Adam is who he is and he’s not afraid. I support him in whatever he does.” Allen calls Lambert and LaBry’s friendship a “cool combination,” because they’re so different. “Drake’s from Louisiana and Adam is from L.A.,” he says. “But they click well and they’re really nice together.”
What rivalry?
Earlier today, GLAAD President Neil Giuliano released the following statement:
“As more and more Americans get to know gay and lesbian people, it has a tremendous impact in terms of creating awareness, understanding and acceptance of our community,” said Neil. G. Giuliano, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “American Idol has become iconic in our culture, and as Adam continues to share his story during his post-Idol career, we hope his decision to live openly and honestly inspires gay people and opens the hearts and minds of his fans and others he will continue to entertain.”
It was also reported today that Lambert has signed with 19 Recordings and that his debut album will be released in the fall through RCA Records. In the meantime, you can catch all of the Idols when the American Idol Summer Tour kicks off in July!
What to Watch: Wednesday
May 20, 2009
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for as American Idol reveals the winner of its eighth season. Here’s hoping enough of you voted for Adam Lambert last night! The music continues later on as Grizzly Bear drop by The Late Show with David Letterman.
Wednesday, May 20
8:00 pm The New Adventures of Old Christine, CBS (30 min) SEASON FINALE
Delayed from last week: Richard and New Christine’s wedding day arrives, which means Richard’s gay brother Joe should be in attendance, hopefully with a plus one on his arm!
8:00 pm American Idol, Fox (2 hrs) SEASON FINALE
Last night they performed and you voted. Tonight we discover whether gay fave Adam Lambert or Kris Allen will walk away with the Idol crown in one of the closest contests in recent memory.
Ed Droste and Grizzly Bear serenade Letterman tonight
10:00 pm Make Me a Supermodel, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
Though all the queer models have been eliminated, we’ve still got lesbian judge Jenny Shimizu to represent Team Rainbow.
10:00 pm Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel II, MTV (1 hr) NEW
Aneesa, Rachel and Brooke are the lesbian trainwrecks women daring to compete in this extreme competition.
10:30 pm Reno 911!, Comedy Central (30 min) NEW
Reno’s mayor calls on Lt. Dangle and his band of misfit cops to help him remove a, um, “lady friend” from his hotel room.
11:35 pm The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS (1 hr) NEW
Indie buzz band Grizzly Bear, fronted by out rocker Ed Droste, drop by to perform a cut from their new album, Veckatimest.
What to Watch: Tuesday
May 19, 2009
Stay tuned to Fox after The Adam Lambert Show (AKA: American Idol) and catch a very special sneak preview of Glee, the much anticipated new series from Ryan Murphy!
Tuesday, May 19
8:00 pm American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
Show-stopping rocker Adam Lambert made it to the final two! Tonight he faces off against cutie-pie crooner Kris Allen live from the Nokia Theater (site of the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles). Be sure to vote early and vote often everyone!
Tonight, we'll be singing with "Glee!"
9:00 pm Glee, Fox (1 hr) SNEAK PREVIEW
The full season wont start airing until the fall, but tune in after American Idol for a sneak peek at the pilot from out creator Ryan Murphy. Glee centers around an optimistic teacher who sets out to energize the high school glee club, which features Kurt, a soprano with a flair for the dramatic, as well as a student with two gay dads. Jane Lynch stars as the gruff cheerleading coach.
9:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (2 hrs) SEASON FINALE
Which couples will win the giant trophy? Gay judge Bruno Tonioli weighs in.
10:00 pm College Hill: South Beach, BET (30 min) NEW
Two LGBT housemates live in the College Hill house this season: Alyson is bisexual and Kyle is gay.
10:00 pm Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment, Discovery (1 hr) NEW
Get a blanket to watch this one! Nine strangers are dropped into the middle of the snowy Alaskan wilderness as they try to survive the harsh winter. Jake is a gay contestant determined to conquer this challenge.
What to Watch: Wednesday
May 13, 2009
If you love reality TV, you will love tonight! America’s Next Top Model crowns its newest pretty face, Adam Lambert (hopefully) advances to the American Idol finale, and Make Me a Supermodel continues to whittle down the contestants.
Wednesday, May 13
8:00 pm America’s Next Top Model, The CW (1 hr) SEASON FINALE
It all comes down to this as the top three models give their fiercest walks in Brazil in hopes that Tyra will name her America’s. Next. Top. Model.
Richard's gay brother should be dropping by tonight!
8:30 pm The New Adventures of Old Christine, CBS (30 min) SEASON FINALE
Richard and New Christine’s wedding day arrives, which means Richard’s gay brother Joe should be in attendance, hopefully with a plus one on his arm!
9:00 pm American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
The finalists who will compete for the crown are chosen tonight. Here’s hoping the everyone flooded the phone lines for Adam Lambert Tuesday night!
10:00 pm Make Me a Supermodel, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
Though all the queer models have been eliminated, we’ve still got lesbian judge Jenny Shimizu to represent Team Rainbow.
10:00 pm Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel II, MTV (1 hr) NEW
Ruthie, Aneesa, Rachel and Brooke are the lesbian trainwrecks women daring to compete in this extreme competition.
12:35 am The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, (1 hr) NEW
Out comedienne Paula Poundstone stops by for a chat
What to Watch: Tuesday
May 12, 2009
Can you believe there’s only one week left until the big American Idol finale? Be sure to tune in tonight and a vote as often as you can to ensure our boy Adam Lambert makes it to the Nokia Theater. When you’re done there, three other great reality shows await you!
Tuesday, May 12
Glambert rocks!
8:00 pm American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
Only three contestants remain, bringing gay fave Adam Lambert one step closer to the final!
9:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Which couples will stay and who will head home? Gay judge Bruno Tonioli weighs in.
10:00 pm College Hill: South Beach, BET (30 min) NEW
Two LGBT housemates live in the College Hill house this season: Alyson is bisexual and Kyle is gay.
10:00 pm Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment, Discovery (1 hr) NEW
Get a blanket to watch this one! Nine strangers are dropped into the middle of the snowy Alaskan wilderness as they try to survive the harsh winter. Jake is a gay contestant determined to conquer this challenge.
Adam Lambert on the Cover of New Entertainment Weekly
May 8, 2009
He hasn’t even won yet, but Entertainment Weekly has put Adam Lambert on the cover of their May 15 issue, on newsstands today!
To early to call it? We think not!
The cover dubs Adam “the most exciting American Idol contestant in years…and not just because he might be gay.” Though his sexual orientation has not been directly addressed on the show, we noted in an earlier post that Adam has long been active in the LGBT benefit circuit as well as the Upright Cabaret.
Even if Kris Allen or Danny Gokey ultimately end up becoming the eighth American Idol, it’s clear that Adam has had a significant impact on the Idol voters thanks to his electrifying performances. Week after week, Adam’s fans have waited with excitement to see what he would do next and has never disappointed. Indeed, his one trip to the bottom two was the most shocking results show of the season.
Win or lose, Adam has created a large fan-base that seems likely to guarantee him a promising future as a performer. But let’s be honest here…we want him to win! So everyone make sure to vote during these final two weeks because we are beyond ready for the first gay American Idol!
What to Watch: Tuesday
April 28, 2009
If you’re a fan of reality television, tonight’s your night! There’s singing (Idol), dancing (DWTS), living (College Hill) and just plain old surviving (Out of the Wild), so pick your theme and watch it!
The next American Idol?
> 8:00 PM American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
Only four contestants remain. We think gay fave Adam Lambert is the man to beat!
> 8:00 PM Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Which couples will stay and who will head home? Gay judge Bruno Tonioli weighs in.
> 10:00 PM College Hill: South Beach, BET (30 min) NEW
Two LGBT housemates live in the College Hill house this season: Alyson is bisexual and Kyle is gay.
> 10:00 PM Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment, Discovery (1 hr) NEW
Get a blanket to watch this one! Nine strangers are dropped into the middle of the snowy Alaskan wilderness as they try to survive the harsh winter. Jake is a gay contestant determined to conquer this challenge.
