"A VIRTUAL WHITEWASH"?

August 1999
		The NAACP challenged NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox over the lack of minority characters in their new fall programming. Two experts take your questions.

Forum introduction Should the networks be required to have minorities in leading roles? Do some minority characters reinforce stereotypes? What about diversity behind the cameras? What can minorities do to help diversify television? Are the networks misrepresenting the U.S. to an international audience?   July 26, 1999: A discussion about diversity on television. December 12, 1995: A newsmaker interview with Kweisi Mfume. Browse the NewsHour's coverage of race relations and the media.     The NAACP NBC ABC CBS FOX

The debate over diversity on television intensified in July when the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People threatened to file a lawsuit against the four major television networks for failing to represent minorities in their programming. The controversy erupted after it was learned none of the 26 shows set to debut this fall on NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox feature minority characters in leading roles. "This glaring omission is an outrage and a shameful display by network executives who are either clueless, careless, or both," Kweisi Mfume, president of the NAACP, said. Addressing an NAACP convention in New York July 12, Mfume called the new fall season "a virtual whitewash," and accused the networks of violating the 1934 Federal Communications Act that states the airwaves belong to the public. Representatives from the networks responded within hours to Mfume's allegations, each emphasizing their network's commitment to diversity in programming. "The issues raised by the NAACP today are relevant and important," CBS President Leslie Moonves said in a statement. "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." Since Mfume's comments, several of the broadcast networks have announced changes in their fall lineups, including the addition of minority characters to new and existing shows. Should networks make sure their programs reflect the population? Are the networks being unfairly maligned? Taking your questions will be actor Damon Standifer and author and syndicated columnist Earl Ofari Hutchinson.