Network Responsibility Index Continues to be Covered on TV and Blogs
August 4, 2009
Since the release of GLAAD’s third annual Network Responsibility Index (NRI) last week, the blogosphere has been abuzz with responses to the report. CBS and SyFy have promised big changes and Chelsea Handler comedically pointed out a few things she thinks we missed.
Video courtesy of E! Online:
We at GLAAD always appreciate Chelsea’s humor. A strong and hilarious ally to the gay community, she hosted the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco earlier this year, so despite what some blogs would have you believe, there is no feud between GLAAD and Chelsea Handler. We thank her for bringing attention to the NRI on her Chelsea Lately!
The NRI analyzes programming on the five broadcast networks, the eight highest rated non-children’s/news/sports cable networks plus HBO and Showtime which, as subscription networks, do not receive as many viewers but are considered to be among the major cable networks.
Paul James as gay frat boy Calvin Owens on ABC Family's Greek
E! was not among those networks this year. However, because ratings change from year to year, the ten cable networks counted this year are not necessarily the ten that will be counted in next year’s NRI. Case in point: the second annual NRI counted Spike, which was replaced this year by Sci Fi (now SyFy). This may change again in next year’s report. Several cable networks that did not crack our top ten but air significant LGBT content, such as ABC Family, Bravo and BBC America, were included in the “Additional Cable Overview” found in the rear of the NRI.
Bloggers also wondered why daytime television was not included in the report. There is little question that the daytime TV landscape for LGBT characters is better today than it has ever been. We commend the writers of daily dramas such as As the World Turns, The Young & The Restless, Guiding Light and One Life to Live for seamlessly incorporating LGBT characters into their stories. However, tracking 6,113.5 hours of primetime network and cable television is a big task.
While right now we do not have the staff capacity to include daytime in the NRI, we do monitor storylines and recognize outstanding representations in the Daily Drama category at the GLAAD Media Awards.
Related Posts:Catching Up with Ronnie Kroell from Make Me a Supermodel, Part II
July 24, 2009
Last week I posted part I of my interview with Ronnie Kroell, the openly gay runner-up from the first season of Make Me a Supermodel on Bravo. This week, Ronnie is joined by his mom, Charlene Sonenberg:
On Charlene’s appearance on Make Me a Supermodel:
Charlene – Well most of the other contestants had their significant others come. I was the only mom, so it was a little different for me but I was very excited because Ronnie had been on the show the entire time and I did not get to speak to him. And if I did, it was through mediators. It was a very emotional time because I’m not used to being that disconnected with Ron. It was a lot to take in all at once…meeting the other models and being in the environment that they had to deal with where you have a camera in your face almost 24/7. I have to say I was amazed at how they handled that because I don’t know if I could. I was constantly aware of what I was trying to say and concerned about what I would say.
On his relationship with his mom:
Ronnie – I’m definitely a mama’s boy and she knows that. I think anyone that knows us realizes that we have a very close relationship. Every family goes through a lot of difficult challenges as they grow together and you know, my parents divorced when I was six-years-old. It was a challenging time and my mom and I lived together for quite a number of years by ourselves so it gave us a lot of bonding time to really get to know one another and support one another. Mom was always there during some of the more difficult times even when my dad couldn’t. She broke a nail teaching me how to play basketball; she was the assistant Weblo Scout Master of my scouting troop; she was never one of those people who would back down from any opportunity to really be involved in my life and she always sacrificed to give me opportunities that she never had. She’s my mom but she’s also a real close friend.
On coming out:
Ronnie – It’s probably been about 11 years now since I’ve been out. I laugh all the time because I actually never really got a chance to come out. I never got to sit down and say “Hey mom, I think I might be gay.” She caught me making out with my first boyfriend, haha!
Charlene – I caught him! Oh, it was one of those situations where Ronnie was going through a period and, you know, he’d have these friends that I didn’t know. Things were kind of strange and I came home one night and lights were on in another room and I went in his room and he wasn’t there and I’m like, “Where is he?” The back door’s open and its like two or three in the morning so I start to panic, not knowing where my son is. So of course I went into the backyard and they were out behind the garage and I came upon them. To be honest, I can’t say it was all roses. It probably just confirmed what I had been trying to deny. Most people say they don’t have a problem with gay people but there’s some hypocrisy in that because what they really mean is “as long as it’s not in my family.” So when it first came about it was a tough few days for us because of my fears, knowing of the prejudices that were out there. But he’s my son and he’s a good, kind person and really, what more could you ask for? I still worry about him…I’m a mom so you’re never going to change that aspect, but we are very close.
Ronnie – Mom has come around since I came out 180 degrees. It’s taken time, but I don’t feel it would be any different if it had been a different issue. I think what mom’s done really well is be able to see that I’m an individual and appreciate that diversity and support me on my crazy adventures. But I was lucky; as heated as some arguments may have gotten I never had to worry if I would have a place to stay or a mom who loved me. There was always love.
Motherly advice:
Charlene – There are some incredible family organizations out there that I never took advantage of but that would really help anyone who is having a really tough time and can’t move past it. It’s an emotional roller coaster for a lot of parents and some people don’t handle it very well and could use that guidance. I was very fortunate. I reconnected with a long lost friend and found out her son was also gay. This was a friend that I hadn’t seen in 30 years so finding someone who could relate helped a lot. As a mom, my concern is Ronnie’s safety and happiness. As long as his life is going the way he wants it to be, then that’s all that matters.
Ronnie won a fair share of gay fans after appearing on Supermodel. After finding out he also comes with an amazing mom, he should probably brace himself for quite a few more.
If you or your child are struggling with coming, please visit PFLAG for some helpful resources.
Related Posts:Catching Up With Ronnie Kroell From Make Me a Supermodel, Part I
July 17, 2009
Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak with Ronnie Kroell, the openly gay runner-up from the first season of Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel. Ronnie, who was a big fan favorite on the show, especially among the gay community, filled us all in on what he’s been up to since the show ended:
On life after Make Me a Supermodel:
After the show I went home to Chicago and spent a month there visiting with my family and friends after three months in a house with little to no communication with the outside world. I wanted to spend some time back home to kind of regroup and figure out what the next steps were. I made the decision to move to New York. I’ve been living here for just about a year. I was in Brooklyn for most of that time but I just recently moved to Manhattan to be closer to my agency and where all of my projects are located. In addition to doing modeling with New York Models, I recently signed with Dino May Management, an acting agency out in LA and they’ve been coaching me and preparing me for kind of doing a crossover and really being a true supermodel essentially because the term really is about being able to model, do some acting, and be a spokesperson.
On Ben and “Bronnie:”
We’re all pretty much still in touch. Honestly, after the show, we’re the only ones that really knew what that experience was like. As far as keeping in touch, I probably keep in touch with Holly, Perry, Casey and Ben the most and most recently I spoke with Ben and he’s living in Tennessee with his wife and doing some modeling down there and helping his wife pursue her musical career and they’ve got a baby on the way! So they’re very excited. I can’t imagine that they’re more than a couple months away from him being a dad!
On season 2 of Make Me a Supermodel:
I was able to watch a few of the episodes. One of my good friends, Nicole Trunfio, is the co-host with Tyson Beckford so I went and I supported her by going to the launch party here in New York for the season. I enjoyed what I saw but I just became pretty busy and didn’t really get to see all the episodes. I’d catch clips here and there online and of course I’ve seen a lot of the models come through New York Models because they’re signing with them and it’s kind of fun. It’s kind of like we’re a family now and they’re wanting to know about our experience on the show and how it compared. They’re constantly asking questions about what happens next because you know, there’s no manual on what happens after reality TV. It’s a real emotional roller coaster and a real high and you’re constantly trying to figure out what’s next and how to make the most out of it. It’s cool to see them and see how they’re handling it now that the show’s finished.
On the Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Manhunt contest:
Friday’s the last day of voting for this fun contest! My friend Julie Carlson randomly emails me and is like, “I’m nominating you to be the next spokesperson for Urban Decay lip gloss” and I was just like “Well, okay. Whatever!” and she was so excited and put my pictures up there. She’s been an incredible support…she’s just amazing. She’s been pushing so hard to keep me in the top 10, which is essentially what I need to do until the end of Friday. I have to be in the top 10 and then the panel of judges at Urban Decay will determine two winners that will be flown to Southern California for a photo shoot and become one of the male models on the actual lip gloss container. It’s been quite a thrill, I’ve been lucky to have a lot of support in the community from places like Facebook, AfterElton and Feast of Fun.
You heard Ronnie! Today’s the last day to vote, so head to the website and show Ronnie your support. And check back next Friday when I post part II of my chat with Ronnie…and this time he brings his mom along!
Related Posts:Bravo Announces New Shows… And Yes, They’re Gay-Inclusive
April 15, 2009
Bravo held its upfront presentation in New York yesterday, announcing the renewal of some audience favorites (Top Chef, anyone?) as well as some brand new series that are firmly in step with other Bravo shows: they are absolutely inclusive of the LGBT community.
Perhaps the most exciting news is that Bravo is launching two scripted series, a first for a network that is known for its unscripted programming. Blueprint, from Laurence Andries (Six Feet Under) is a dramedy following two best friends — one straight, one gay — who own an architecture and interior design firm in New York. No word on casting yet, but you can bet we’re keeping our eyes peeled for this one!
The other scripted series is called 30 Under 30, which revolves around New York up-and-comers including a chef, a gossip blogger, an artist and a real estate agent. The orientation for these characters has yet to be announced, but knowing Bravo’s history of highlighting an LGBT chef, blogger, artist and real estate agent in every one of its reality shows, there’s got to be someone gay in this one.
Jackie Warner
The network announced a number of unscripted series, but we’ll highlight five here:
- Jackie’s Gym Takeover stars Work Out’s Jackie Warner revamping gyms (a la Tabatha’s Salon Takeover)
- Sarah Jessica Parker is executive producing American Artist, a competition series that pits 12 aspiring artists against one another
- Design Sixx follows a husband-and-wife real estate makeover team
- Kell on Earth is all about Kelly Cutrone and her life running fashion PR house People’s Revolution
- Launch My Line is a fashion competition series (Ed. note: now that they’ve lost Project Runway, we’re happy to see Bravo’s keeping fashion alive)
A bunch of our faves are returning to Bravo as well!
Flipping Out – season 3
Inside the Actors Studio – season 15
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List – season 5
Million Dollar Listing – season 3
The Rachel Zoe Project – season 2
The Real Housewives of Atlanta – season 2
The Real Housewives of Orange County – season 5
Shear Genius - season 3 with new host model/designer Camila Alves.
Tabatha’s Salon Makeover – season 2
Top Chef – season 6
So much television, so little time. Thank goodness for TiVo!
What to Watch: Wednesday
April 15, 2009
Bravo is the place to be tonight, with a comedy special from GLAAD Media Award honoree Kathy Griffin, followed by Bravo’s second annual A-List Awards!
> 8:00 PM America’s Next Top Model, The CW (1 hr) NEW
We certainly hope Ciara isn’t on the show this week to teach the girls singing lessons, beca
use as pretty as they are, you know these ladies can’t carry a tune.
> 9:00 PM American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
It’s elimination time… Surely gay singer Adam Lambert won’t be cut, right?
> 9:00 PM Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut a Bitch, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
Get ready to laugh, because GLAAD Media Award honoree Kathy Griffin is back in her sixth stand-up comedy special for Bravo!
> 10:00 PM Law & Order: SVU, NBC (1 hr) REPEAT
When a man is found badly beaten outside of a strip club, his transgender daughter becomes a suspect. Of course, things on SVU are rarely what they seem…
> 10:00 PM Bravo’s A-List Awards, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
The fabulous Kathy Griffin hosts the second annual award show, with appearances by Neil Patrick Harris, Chelsea Handler, Tori Spelling, Laurel Holloman, Mark Indelicato, Bruce Villanch and more!
The Runway Moves to Lifetime
April 1, 2009
It’s official, folks: Project Runway, a Bravo mainstay for five seasons, has officially moved to Lifetime Television. As you may recall, the beloved gay-friendly series got involved in a law suit last year when The Weinstein Company moved the show to Lifetime without Bravo’s permission.
PR: 6 has been languishing in obscurity for months, with Heidi, Tim and the whole gang having shot the entire season, not knowing if it would ever be seen.
NBC Universal, Bravo’s parent company, issued the following statement at 1 pm PST today:
NBC Universal, The Weinstein Company and Lifetime have resolved their disputes. The Weinstein Company will pay NBCU for the right to move Project Runway to Lifetime. All of the parties are pleased with the outcome. Harvey Weinstein added, “I want to personally congratulate Jeff Zucker and NBCU on their success in the litigation and thank Jeff for resolving this in a professional manner. We look forward to working together on our ongoing projects.”
So, what do you say, Runway fans? Will you make the switch? Or will you stay true-blue to Bravo?
A Real Housewife Apologizes for Slur
February 23, 2009
The season finale of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County last week upset many fans when it aired uncensored the slur “homo,” uttered by housewife Tamra Barney as an insult. Barney has now reached out to fans and the LGBT community with an apology: “I wish so badly that I could take it back.”
After hearing from constituents about the on-air defamatory comment the day after it aired, GLAAD contacted Bravo immediately. The cable network moved quickly and a spokesperson confirmed that day that the slur has been edited from future airings.
To Barney’s credit, she personally reached out with an apology to bloggers who covered the on-air slur, and sent the below message to GLAAD, asking us to share it with the community:
I am reaching out to GLAAD and the gay community today to apologize for the ignorant comment I made on last week’s episode. I wish so badly that I could take it back. I of all people have nothing against the gay community and support gay rights 100%. The word I used was “homo” and not the word I was searching for and not a word I condone. I am highly embarrassed and ashamed. I have several gay friends and family members. I have been suggesting to Bravo for the past year to bring in my friends Ricky (who filmed with me this season at my pool party) and Diego (his husband) as the new “housewife.” I think it would be extremely educational for the viewers to see that gay men can be married, have kids and there is nothing remotely wrong with it.
This does not reflect the type of person I am and I hope you accept my sincere apology.
Tamra Barney
The Real Housewives of Orange County
