Television and Media Essay - African Americans and TV Shows :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

It is estimated that African Americans spend about four to five hours to a greater extent than the popular public on watching television a week. Yet cool it with these findings, there argon only 18 cross-files that feature an African-American withdraw or lead character out of the 115 that air on the six major broadcast networks. Even with this imbalanced ratio, there are reasons why there are so few programs featuring leading African Americans, despite the great amount of blacks that are consistent television viewers (Hall 12).   It is thought that television producers are just trying to play it unspoilt by sticking to what they know and what they are used to doing. It has been hard for networks to take over shows that have satisfied the viewers, such(prenominal) as The Cosbys, The Jeffersons, and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Creating this word form of crossover audience is essential in a shows success(Hall 12).   A more recent show that has been able to gai n this success is The Hughleys. It is said to be probably one of the best things thats happened this year according to WB fun President Garth Ancier. This show is said to have wide spread accumulation, and it also helps that it follows right after Home Improvement(Hall 12). Although following such a well known show helps out with the viewers, the show is acquiring more and more popular, and will hope skillfuly cause a spay in the way networks associate black television with failure.   Even though there is at least one African American in almost every childs play ensemble, you dont see any dramas with a full cast of African Americans (Hall 12). It is assumed that if one were to be put on the air, it wouldnt do well because it is something that hasnt been done before. African Americans are automatically associated with being comedians. All of the shows featuring a mostly black cast are buffoonery shows. This is a reason why networks would stay away from creating a drama with a full cast of African Americans.   The industry has not current that people are different, says Louis Carr, executive producer of Black delight Television (BET)(Hall 12). BET has done a lot for African Americans on Television. Not only does it show music videos, but it has an award show where it celebrates and appreciates African American stars.