News and Views

August 03, 2005
Sunday Talk Shows Lack Diversity

According to a new study done by National Urban League, there is a lack of diverse guests on Sunday talk shows. Then when there are African-American or Asian-American experts or journalists invited to talk, it's always the same few. Most of the major shows on networks like NBC, ABC, CNN, CBS, and Fox fail to offer viewers speakers from a variety of backgrounds. This is a major problem that must be addressed since it implies that since there are so few multicultural appearances, many multicultural issues aren't being called to attention. How will we teach our children to celebrate diversity and to be confident in themselves if the faces on TV don't mirror our teachings? Whether or not it's Sunday talk shows or other programs, we are far into the 21st century so why aren't we seeing people from cultures all over the world on our screens by now? We know for sure it's not because people with ethnic backgrounds are any less capable to be on screen so it's really overdue time that we question the behind the scenes of media. Our children need role models and people on/in TV/media have one of the largest influences on children, so why are the faces talking always the same?

Read more at: Boston Globe