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

It is estimated that African Americans spend ab come out four to five hours more than the general public on honoring television a week. Yet still with these findings, there be only 18 shows that feature an African-American cast 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 hardly a(prenominal) 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 encounter it safe by sticking to what they know and what they are used to doing. It has been hard for networks to duplicate shows that have satisfied the viewers, such as The Cosbys, The Jeffersons, and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Creating this variety show of crossover audience is essential in a shows success(Hall 12).   A more recent show that has been able to gain this success is The Hughleys. It is said to be plausibly genius of the best things thats happened this year according to WB Entertainment President Garth Ancier. This show is said to have wide spread appeal, and it also helps that it follows veracious after Home Improvement(Hall 12). Although following such a well known show helps out with the viewers, the show is getting more and more popular, and leave hopefully cause a change in the way networks associate black television with failure.   Even though there is at least one African American in almost every drama 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 comedy shows. This is a reason why networks would stay away from creating a drama with a full c ast of African Americans.   The industry has not authentic that people are different, says Louis Carr, executive producer of Black Entertainment 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.