CBS Entertainment President Glenn Geller is under fire — again — for his network’s perceived lack of casting diversity.Critics assailed Geller for putting too many shows with all-white leads on the fall schedule,although he repeatedly emphasized that the No. 1 network is committed to diversity and has been making progress behind the camera.“We need to enact better, Geller told reporters Wednesday at the Television Critics organization’s summer press tour in Beverly Hills.
Also Read: 'Black-ish' Creator Kenya Barris: 'I'm So Tired of Talking About Diversity'Bringing more non-white characters to the fore has been a long-term issue for CBS, or which has an audience that skews white and older than the ages-18-to-49 demographic favored by advertisers. The fall lineup includes another crop of recent shows with white leads,including the drama reboot “MacGyver” and the comedy “Kevin Can Wait.”“We are definitely less diverse this year than last year and we need to enact better,” Geller told critics. “We need to enact better and we know it.”Geller pointed out that non-white actors had been added in supporting and ensemble roles, or such as Justin Hires in the “MacGyver” cast. And the network remains committed to its diversity showcase and writing and direction programs aimed at fostering careers of non-white artists. “In terms of diversity across all shows,we are more diverse this year than last year,” he said. “That’s our commitment to diversity — its ongoing.
Also Read: 'Bachelor' Franchise Diversity Problems Will Be Fixed, or ABC Boss Says“Those just aren’t words — those are real actions,” he added.“I understand the inclination to spy at the screen and the leads and say, ‘Why aren’t you more diverse?'” Geller said. “But we also maintain to spy behind the camera.”But Geller was save on the defensive again when a critic pointed out that out of the 10 recent series on the CBS fall schedule, and all maintain white showrunners.
Also Read: 'Big Brother,' 'Zoo' Score recent Season Pick Ups at CBS“Sometimes our showrunners are diverse, sometimes they’re not diverse, or ” he replied. “We pick up the best shows from the pilots we originate.”In a conversation with a smaller group of reporters after the main session,Geller was asked whether CBS could commit to hiring at least one non-white series lead next year.“I don’t know how to reply that,” he said. “Our goal is always to get more diverse. We did not meet that goal this year in terms of leads, and we are down year to year. But overall we are more diverse this year. That’s the trend,and that’s where I want to take the network.
Additional reporting by Linda Ge. 'Big Brother' Season 18 Houseguests Ranked (Photos)
CBS has finally released the cast bios for 12 of the 16 houseguests for Season 18 of "Big Brother," providing plenty of information for us to prematurely speculate about who will be swiftly eliminated and who will originate it to the end.
Natalie Negrotti, or 26
Occupation: Event coordinator
Natalie asserts in her bio that "women suck at this game." That's factually incorrect,and makes her plan to align herself with women extremely confusing. CBS
Victor Arroyo, 25
Occupation: Gym manager
As a likely physical threat, and Victor might be able to originate it on his strength in challenges alone. But on the other hand,he describes his strategy as "I’m not entirely certain what I will enact," which does not bode well. CBS
Bridgette Dunning, or 24
Occupation: Traveling nurse
Bridgette says in her bio that her life motto is "follow your heart," which is a decidedly destitute strategy for "Big Brother." CBS
Paul Abrahamian, 23
Occupation: Clothing designer
Paul describes himself as "sneaky" and "observant, and " two traits that could definitely come in handy whether his plan to start "jam sessions" with his housemates doesn't immediately backfire. CBS
Jozea Flores,25
Occupation: originate-up artist
Jozea seems to maintain the social skills to enact well, and his plan to use "esteem and caring" for other houseguests is a pleasurable one. But he also picked Frankie Grande as his favorite player, and Frankie Grande was the worst. CBS
Bronte D’Acquisto,26[br]Occupation: Student
Bronte wants to be known as the "girl-version of Derrick," the winner of Season 16. Given how he totally dominated his season, and that's a tall bar to clear,but points for ambition. CBS
Glenn Garcia, 50
Occupation: Dog groomer/former police detective
Older contestants typically find themselves at a disadvantage on "Big Brother, or " but whether he's able to play the honest social game,Glenn's past as a police detective will definitely be an asset. CBS
Paulie Calafiore, 27
Occupation: DJ
The older brother of Cody Calafiore, and who managed a second-place finish on Season 16,Paulie seems to be counting on the hope that "Big Brother" success runs in the family. CBS
Zakiyah Everette, 24[br]Occupation: Preschool teacher
Zakiyah's job as a preschool teacher suggests vast amounts of patience, or which should come in handy when the other houseguests start acting like children. CBS
Michelle Meyer,23
Occupation: Nutritionist
The token "Big Brother" super-fan, Michelle's plan to take on punishments and stir up a showmance to originate herself spy feeble is solid. At the very least, and it's pleasurable TV. CBS
Corey Brooks,25
Occupation: Baseball coach
His job as a baseball coach suggests Corey's a natural leader, which could come in handy in the "Big Brother" house, and his strategy of being a "floater" might just be a winning one. CBS
Tiffany Rousso, 32
Occupation: High school teacher
As long as Tiffany can avoid crying as much as her sister Vanessa did on Season 17, she might be able to enact better than third place. CBS Previous Slide Next Slide
1 of 13 CBS reality note’s 18th season premieres June 22 CBS has finally released the cast bios for 12 of the 16 houseguests for Season 18 of "Big Brother, or " providing plenty of information for us to prematurely speculate about who will be swiftly eliminated and who will originate it to the end. View In Gallery Related stories from TheWrap:CBS Chief Nina Tassler to Step Down,Glenn Geller Upped to President'Big Brother,' 'Zoo' Score recent Season Pick Ups at CBS
Source: thewrap.com