SAG-AFTRA

Fall 2014

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30 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org what degree, to better understand how our membership is faring in order to determine how best to level the playing field and achieve full inclusion on all our screens. For the fifth year in a row, SAG-AFTRA has contributed to GLAAD's Where We Are on TV report, which examines the representation of diversity on television among series regulars on scripted primetime programming in terms of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity and disability. According to the report, 27 percent of series regular characters announced for the 2014-15 season are people of color — as defined in the report as black, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, and multiracial. However, while representation of blacks and Latinos increased by 2 and 3 percent, respectively, there was a 2-percent decrease in the volume of Asians and Pacific Islanders on network shows. The jump in ethnic representation can be attributed to newer shows such as ABC's Black-ish, whose cast is comprised of a T here is an ever-increasing demand for authenticity on our screens. More and more, audiences are rejecting inauthentic portrayals and unoriginal stories. So while progress in on-screen diversity is often a two-steps- forward, one-step-back process, progress is being made, albeit at an often frustratingly slow pace. Recent studies show the representation of some groups increasing, while others are on the decline. These studies examined both the characters being shown onscreen, as well as the actors who filled the roles, and found that although performers with disabilities are making minor progress, women appear to be losing ground. SAG-AFTRA continues to monitor whether historically underrepresented groups in the entertainment and media industries are being included, and to DIVERSITY WATCH Telling Our Authentic Stories SONJA FLEMMING/CBS

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