TV Networks Deny Program ‘Whitewashing’

ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox reacted within hours Monday to NAACP President Kweisi Mfume’s charge that the upcoming fall prime-time TV season was a “virtual whitewash in programming.” Each network issued statements underscoring its commitment to ethnic diversity in programming.

The major broadcast networks came under fire during Mfume’s keynote address before the 90th annual National Assn. of Colored People’s convention in New York, in which he outlined a wide range of measures that might be taken against the networks, including possible litigation and viewer boycotts.

Mfume, citing the 26 new comedies and dramas premiering this fall on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox, none of which feature a minority in a leading role, said the networks’ actions represent a violation of the 1934 Federal Communications Act, which provides that the airwaves belong to the public.

Responding to Mfume’s charges, network officials stressed that they were concerned and sensitive to the issue of diversity. ABC and NBC acknowledged that they “need to do more” casting of minorities.

None of the networks outlined specific details, and both Fox and CBS offered to meet with Mfume to discuss the matter. Privately, executives say they are trying to recast some of the new shows.

“We agree with the NAACP that increasing racial and ethnic diversity on television is an important goal,” Fox said in its statement. “We welcome the opportunity to meet with Mr. Mfume to discuss this issue.”

CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves said in a statement that “the issues raised by the NAACP today are relevant and extremely important. I think we all agree that those of us in the entertainment industry need to make sure the characters on our screen reflect the diversity of our population as a whole.”

Moonves added that he was proud of CBS’ record in terms of diversity. He said that 11 of the networks’ 19 entertainment series have minority characters in primary roles.

The brief statements from NBC and ABC delivered more general reaction.

“Including minorities on our air is an issue that has been a top priority for some time, and it continues to remain an important priority,” said NBC. “Although we are very proud of the minority representation in many of NBC’s dramas, including ‘ER,’ ‘Law & Order,’ the upcoming ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Third Watch,’ we realize that there is still work to be done.”

ABC declared: “We are making improvements in this area, and we understand we need to do more. We are very sensitive to this issue.”

Mfume drew thundering applause when expressing his outrage at the networks from the 2,700 delegates attending Monday’s session.

“It was truly overwhelming,” said Billie Green, president of the Beverly Hills/Hollywood chapter of the NAACP. “All the branches are ready to come on board. I couldn’t be happier about what is going to happen.”