Celebrating Female Empowerment on TV
International Women's Day is a time to honor and recognize the achievements of women as America continues to strive for gender parity and equality. Fortunately, cable TV networks continue their efforts to increase representation of women, on screen and in the writers' room, and to cast women and girls in strong, meaningful, and leading roles that send a powerful message to audiences watching. As cable programming aims to move the needle on this important issue, here are a handful of examples of how networks are shining a spotlight on women in unique ways, reversing harmful gender stereotypes
Lifetime's 'Black Girl Missing' Hopes to Raise Awareness and Mobilize Change
Lifetime's latest movie, "Black Girl Missing," aims to not only shed light on the lack of media coverage and law enforcement resources for when Black women and girls go missing, but to also mobilize communities to action. The story in "Black Girl Missing," which stars Garcelle Beauvais as the mother in the film, was inspired by real life stories of missing people of color, and the struggles these families endure due to racial discrimination inherent in many parts of society. In a Lifetime press panel, Beauvais spelled out what she hopes the potential impact of the movie turns out to be: "For
C-SPAN's Shining Moment Renews Interest in More Coverage
For over 40 years, C-SPAN has brought government into American living rooms. From broadcasting committee hearings to interviewing elected officials, C-SPAN offers a wide range of resources for voters to become more engaged with government, free of bias or commentary. No government or taxpayer dollars support C-SPAN, as it is fully funded by cable and satellite providers. Currently, C-SPAN’s live feeds of the House and Senate floors have strict rules limiting how the network, or any media, is allowed to broadcast from the chambers. Except for certain specific activities, footage of the House
Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl Places Rescue Pups in FURever Homes
While the Super Bowl will no doubt be the highlight of this weekend for many Americans, there is one event that it can not contend with in the cuteness category: Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl! For the past 19 years, Animal Planet has hosted the national call-to-adoption event by setting up the stars of the show on a puppy-sized football stadium and field, and splitting them into two teams—Team Ruff, in orange, versus Team Fluff, in blue—to the delight of millions of viewers as they mimic an American football game. And this year Warner Bros. Discovery will be expanding its broadcast by
Cable TV Celebrates Black History Month Every Day of the Year
Black History Month has always been a time when America comes together to place Black history, heritage, and culture center stage, and cable TV networks are demonstrating that the Black community needs to be celebrated not just this month, but year-round. From producing shows that lift Black voices and that focus on the Black experience, to launching initiatives that strive to break down barriers for Black talent on and off the screen, the cable industry has long made a commitment to advancing racial equality and social justice through its large reach and influence. Below are just a handful of
TV Stats: 2023 Will Be a Stellar Year for TV
One month into 2023 and cable TV networks are already off to a strong start, picking up where 2022 left off with a barrage of compelling shows that keep audiences coming back time and time again. As more and more original shows hit screens, audiences will surely find engaging and exciting stories that appeal to them throughout the year.
HBO's 'The Last of Us' Turns a Beloved Game Into a TV Ratings Powerhouse
HBO's latest hit, "The Last of Us," isn't just any ordinary drama series. The headline-stealing show is proving to be, as critics are hailing, one of the best live-action video game adaptions ever made. The first installment of the game—developed by Naughty Dog—came out in 2013 and was considered a breakthrough for cinematic and dramatic storytelling. The PlayStation game drew critical acclaim from gamers who eagerly anticipated the second game's release in 2020. This was followed by even more accolades as the sequel sold more than 10 million copies worldwide in just two years. Taking place in
TV Networks Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.
As America prepares to celebrate and honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr., cable TV networks have a host of special content and programming at the ready for audiences to learn more about the civil rights leader and the watershed events that he inspired following his fight for racial and social justice equality. Check out a handful of the initiatives and movies that touch on the significance of the upcoming holiday: Noticias Telemundo, along with MSNBC, will host town halls in New Orleans focused on advancing racial equity on January 17 for the 7th annual 'National Day of Racial Healing.'
NCTA’s Programming Stories Year in Review
Another great year for cable TV wraps up, but before audiences dive into the exciting television that lies ahead in 2023, it's worth pointing out a handful of the innovative storytelling moments that NCTA covered in 2022. If this year is any indication, viewers will continue to be amazed as cable TV networks continue to deliver top-notch, compelling, inclusive, and award-winning programming. Celebrating Milestones AMC's hit zombie apocalypse show "The Walking Dead," which transformed into a cultural phenomenon and broader universe, celebrated its final season this past November after 11
Hallmark's New Mahogany Movies Prioritize Diverse Storytelling
Hallmark Media's Mahogany brand debuted its first holiday movie last weekend, "The Holiday Stocking," and more movies under the network's new and inclusive programming brand will follow in 2023. "The Holiday Stocking" is also part of "Countdown to Christmas," the network's expansive and famed rollout of holiday movies. As family and friends gather around screens to enjoy holiday movie-watching parties and traditions over the next few weeks, Hallmark Media has continued to step up its initiatives to elevate diverse voices and perspectives on screen and behind the scenes. A New Programming Line
