Cable TV and FX's Pose Lead in LGBTQ Representation
As Transgender Awareness Month kicks off, the recent release of GLAAD's annual "Where We Are on TV" report gives audiences all the more reason to celebrate the transgender community, LGBTQ people and diversity across the spectrum. According to the report, TV is airing more LGBTQ stories than ever before, with the number of LGBTQ characters at its highest in several categories across all platforms—cable, broadcast, and streaming. Cable led the way ahead of broadcast TV and streaming platforms with 208 regular and recurring LGBTQ characters throughout its programming, up from 173 last year. For
This Election Day, the C-SPAN Bus Celebrates 25 Years of Civic Outreach
It's been 25 years since C-SPAN launched its traveling C-SPAN Bus Program, and to celebrate the occasion the network sent its award-winning state-of-the art motor coach on a "50 Capitals Tour" which started last year. Throughout the tour, teachers, students, elected officials and others climb aboard to learn about the network's multi-platform public service resources. This anniversary is a timely one given that today is Election Day, and that C-SPAN's role in providing political coverage is one of the most unique in journalism. What many people don't realize is that the network is not a tax
Parents Find TV Ratings Valuable
In today's vibrant TV marketplace, every viewer–children included–can find content tailored to their unique tastes and preferences. But more importantly, cable programmers and content creators know how important it is for kids to grow up watching shows that are not only educational, stimulating and fun, but age appropriate as well. The TV Parental Guidelines, which are labels shown in the upper left corner of the screen at the start of a program and often after commercial breaks, were established to help parents choose programming that they feel is right for their kids. A recent survey
Circle With Disney Device is Instilling Healthy Online Habits Through Parental Controls
Every year, the internet welcomes a new wave of online tools and sites that make education and socialization more fun and rewarding, especially for kids. But as with most things in life, safety and moderation are key to making the most of what the internet has to offer. Internet service providers across the cable industry are committed to protecting today's kids from a range of threats that lurk online, from cyberbullies to social media addiction to obsessive online habits that affect the time spent with family members. Charter, Comcast, Cox, Mediacom and Midco all offer online parental
Cartoon Network Speaks Up on Bullying Prevention
Bullying affects people at every stage of their lives, but those most vulnerable to it are the ones who experience it in America's school yards. Last year, Cartoon Network commissioned a survey and found that two thirds of kids experience bullying once or twice throughout their youth. In support of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, NCTA talked with Cartoon Network Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships Jill King to find out how the network makes this issue a vital part of its mission to serve America's children. It's been eight years since Cartoon Network launched its
New TV Shows Aim to Connect With Hispanic Audiences
Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, and there's no better time to turn attention to the portrayal of Hispanic-Americans in media and entertainment. Previous studies and polls have shown that America's viewers need and want more diversity in the characters and stories that they see on the screen. And while there is still a long ways to go, there have been a few breakthrough shows in the past couple of years where Latino culture is recognized, celebrated, and embraced. Newer shows have also focused on the complex issues of Latino identity in the U.S., and the stereotypes, struggles and
Sit Back and Enjoy the Show: TV is More Competitive Than Ever Before
The choices for TV today are virtually endless. As America's demographics and technology have evolved over the past two decades, so have the number of ways that TV is delivered to consumers, and the diversity of programming that audiences have available to them. Where cable television used to stand alone, technology advancements along with fast broadband networks have ushered in a myriad of new online TV distributors—and with it, an ever-growing menu of choices. Since 1997, cable networks have invested more than $410 billion in award-winning content. At the same time, new and emerging
Celebrating the Best in TV at the Emmy Awards
Last night's 70th Primetime Emmy Awards lived up to its promise to showcase the diverse menu of choices that viewers have on television today, and the inspiring stories that keep them coming back for more. In total, together with the Creative Arts Emmys, cable programming drew the most wins with 65 out of 126 awards (in 122 categories), followed by streaming services with 38 and broadcast with 23. To no one's surprise, HBO collected multiple accolades. Game of Thrones took the title for Best Drama Series for season seven, and for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for Peter Dinklage. (Fans
Creative Arts Emmys: Recognizing Those Who Work Behind the Scenes in TV
With the 70th annual Primetime Emmy Awards taking place on Monday in Los Angeles, it's worth taking a look at the TV shows and talent that shined at the Creative Arts Emmys, which were presented just this past weekend. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards are generally awarded to those who work behind the scenes in TV programming, including video and sound editors, costume designers, and cinematographers. These are just a few of the roles that are working alongside casts, producers and directors to create some of America's most memorable TV shows. This year's presentation in particular made history
TV Shows Are Boosting America's Economy
The best shows on TV are known for captivating and thrilling viewers. But a lot of these same shows are doing much more than providing quality entertainment. The TV industry is contributing to communities all over the country. When a show films outside of a studio and on location, the towns, cities, and states where production crews decide to set up shop are significantly impacted. It's always a win when a show comes to a town and provides a plethora of new jobs, builds new infrastructure and soundstages for future filming opportunities, promotes a region and boosts tourism, and brings a