Pay cable broadcasters HBO and Showtime
topped GLAAD's third annual report of gay-inclusive broadcasting,
while ABC led the networks for the second year in a row.
HBO scored high marks on the Gay &
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's (GLAAD) Network Responsibility
Index released Monday. The pay cabler positively depicted the lives
of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters in 10 of its 14
original prime-time shows, adding up to 46 percent of LGBT-inclusive
hours of original programming during shows such as True Blood,
Entourage, and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. HBO
scored 26 percent last year.
Showtime came in second with 26
percent, down from 32 percent last year. The cable network is
certain to fall further next season as the L Word, a series
that revolves around the lives of a group of lesbians in Los Angeles,
has ended its six-year run.
For the report, GLAAD combed through
over 6,000 prime-time hours from the five major network broadcasters
(ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW) and 10 prominent cable networks for
positive gay themes or characters aired between June 1, 2008 to May
31, 2009.
ABC led the networks for the second
year in a row, with 24 percent. Last year's marriage between Kevin
and Scotty on Brother's & Sisters helped the network win
the top spot. The newlyweds were joined by Uncle Saul's coming out
story this year.
NBC and CBS only scored 8 percent and 5
percent, respectively, and received a grade of “failing” from
GLAAD.
Last year's winner FX proved the
biggest disappointment, dropping 32 percent from last year's 45
percent high.
“FX declined a significant 32% over
the past year due largely to the cancellation of several
LGBT-inclusive series,” GLAAD said. “FX will need to infuse its
remaining series with LGBT content if it is to reclaim its status as
the most LGBT-inclusive cable network.”