ABC Family President Michael Riley on
Wednesday said his cable network was committed to gay-inclusive
programming.
Riley was responding to the network's
“excellent” rating in the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation's (GLAAD) fifth annual Network Responsibility Index (NRI).
“We're proud of our programming, and
grateful for the recognition from GLAAD,” Riley said in a
statement. “We strive to reflect the rich diversity of our
audience and the world around us, including the LGBT community,
through strong characters and engaging, authentic storytelling.”
“Earning GLAAD's highest rating for
our inclusive programming is both an honor and a validation of our
programming's positive impact.”
GLAAD's report, released on Wednesday,
found the cabler had positively depicted the lives of gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender characters in 55 percent of its original
programming. Many of ABC Family's shows such as Pretty Little
Liars and The Secret Life of the American Teenager are
aimed at a younger audience.
ABC Family scored 37 percent last year.
The
CW also scored high marks on the survey, but CBS again ranked last
among networks.