GLAAD, Paramount Reach Agreement

The Paramount Television Group and representatives of the gay and lesbian community have reached a tentative accord regarding Laura Schlessinger’s new television show, including some reassurance from the studio that the program will feature a variety of viewpoints regarding the hot-button issue of homosexuality.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation met Monday with Paramount officials and producers of Schlessinger’s upcoming daytime show, submitting a list of “requests” meant to ensure that the program is fair and balanced from the organization’s perspective.

Following the marathon session, which Schlessinger did not attend, the parties issued a joint statement Tuesday saying the TV program will offer “many points of view, derived from a variety of sources, guests and a studio audience.”

The statement went on to say that the meeting “created a positive exchange of differing perspectives” and that a dialogue between Paramount and GLAAD will continue.

GLAAD initially expressed concern about the content of the TV show--which is being sold to stations by Paramount and is slated to premiere in the fall--due to comments made by Schlessinger on the advice maven’s nationally syndicated radio program, including her ongoing campaign against marriage and adoption involving same-sex couples.

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Schlessinger has referred to homosexuals as “a biological error,” cited research issued by the Family Research Council--which GLAAD characterizes as an anti-gay group--and discussed the viability of controversial reparative therapies designed to help gays and lesbians “attain a heterosexual life.”

While acknowledging the free-speech issues involved, GLAAD representatives have asked that Schlessinger cease using “defamatory” phrases--including terms such as “deviant”--when referring to gays and lesbians. They have also sought a commitment that Schlessinger’s show present varied sources of information about homosexuality and “acknowledge, without necessarily agreeing with,” opinions other than her own on the topic.

A spokeswoman for Schlessinger had no comment, saying the statement spoke for itself.

GLAAD’s objections to Schlessinger’s rhetoric created an uncomfortable situation for Paramount, causing friction with some of the studio’s gay and lesbian employees about the decision to provide the radio host a wider forum in a new medium.

Schlessinger has attributed her stance on homosexuality to her religious convictions as a convert to Orthodox Judaism. She has maintained that she is not bigoted nor anti-gay and has accused gay activists of distorting her views.

Schlessinger’s TV program has remained ill-defined. Nevertheless, Paramount was able to place the show on TV stations blanketing more than 90% of the United States, thanks largely to the popularity of the radio show, currently heard on more than 400 stations.