Several new shows reflect network's issues with diversity

SEVERAL NEW SHOWS REFLECT NETWORK'S ISSUES WITH DIVERSITY
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times 10/2, AUTHOR: Greg Braxton]
Race relations are taking a starring role in several new culturally-tinged series this fall. In one respect, the new shows are different from series already on the air, such as "Grey's Anatomy," that take place in a "colorblind" world, in that they will confront race, cultural pride and conflict directly. But with all the new shows, it's not a person of color who will be steering that vision -- as with much of network television, the series have white male show runners. The lack of minority prominence in the creative process of these new shows illustrates prime-time network TV's continuing uneasiness with embracing diversity, even though some of the most popular series ("Lost," "Heroes") feature diverse ensemble casts, and two of TV's most acclaimed series are run by people of color (Shonda Rhimes of "Grey's Anatomy" and Silvio Horta of "Ugly Betty"). And whether it signals just a coincidence or a setback in network television's avowed commitment to reflecting multiculturalism in front of and behind the camera is uncertain.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-race2oct02,1,2756258....
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