Hispanic gains in network jobs are reported in '07 survey

November 2, 2007
Via Associated Press

The TV season that brought Emmy honors to Ugly Betty star America Ferrera also saw a rise in employment opportunities for Hispanics at the major networks, according to a report released Tuesday.

The eighth annual survey by a coalition formed to push for more minority hiring for on- and off-camera jobs in broadcasting found Hispanics made encouraging if ''incremental'' progress.

Network programs created to foster diversity ''are now bearing fruit, and it is not unreasonable to expect that the present numbers will continue to climb and that there will be no backsliding,'' said Esteban Torres, head of the National Latino Media Council.

ABC, home of Ugly Betty, led in diversifying its work force, with CBS, NBC and Fox all earning commendations for improvement. The networks earned overall grades of A and B, though Fox was rebuked for what the council said was its failure to match other networks in fully disclosing hiring data.

The Asian Pacific American Media Coalition concluded none of the networks improved their overall grade from last year. Asian-Americans filled 29 roles in prime-time programs, two more than last year, and many roles lacked ''significant air time,'' the coalition found.

The group singled out two ''standout shows'' with choice roles for Asian-American actors: Grey's Anatomy, with Korean-Canadian star Sandra Oh, and Heroes with Japanese-born Masi Oka.

The networks earned grades of D or C in hiring of American Indians.

Source: Ohio.com