News has spread widely how the Fox TV network received a failing grade from the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition and the National Latino Media Council in the groups’ annual network report cards. But it appears the failing grade is actually more like an incomplete because Fox failed to return the survey in time.
According to Deadline Hollywood, “The National Latino Media Council […] criticized Fox […] for not meeting its November 8 deadline.’For the last couple of years the Fox Diversity team has been unresponsive to NLMC’s request for timely and complete data,’ they said.
In response, Fox said … they wanted to provide “more accurate data” but were unable to do so within the APAMC’s and NLMC’s timelines. “It’s unfortunate that this is being used as the sole basis for the report card grade, given that the Coalitions themselves acknowledge that FOX has some very positive stories to tell. We believe that reflecting diverse talent and viewpoints is imperative to the success of our business, and while we respect the Coalitions, our focus is on demonstrating this commitment to our viewers,” a network statement said.
The Latino media council’s score looks at eight categories: actors, unscripted (reality) show participants, writers/producers, directors, development, procurement, executives, and network initiatives. NLMC gave NBC an overall A- this year for its behind-the-camera diversity. CBS got a B+ and ABC a B.