ABC again the top network in report on Asian-Americans on TV

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Major television networks are hitting far more lows than highs in tapping into Asian-American talent, according to a study released Wednesday by the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition.

The advocacy group's annual report on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX came on the first day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

ABC earned the top grades with Asian-Americans depicting 11 percent of regular characters on its prime-time programs, while Fox flunked because it did not submit data, the coalition said.

“The Report Cards revealed some positives but also many areas in which the networks need to improve for Asian Americans to be able to enjoy equal opportunities and to be fully included in the entertainment industry,” the group said.

The assessments of prime-time programs, including reality TV, were based on the 2017-18 season. The study examined both long-term and recurring roles for people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent and key roles behind the camera.

It also looked at the impact of “pipeline programs,” initiatives targeted at increasing diversity through recruitment and training.

The success of “Crazy Rich Asians” at movie theaters, the popularity of “Killing Eve” on BBC America and the Netflix film “To All the Boys I've Loved Before” may be influencing next season's landscape.

Lucy Liu is honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, U.S., May 1, 2019. /VCG Photo

Networks have ordered nearly half a dozen pilots with Asian-Americans in the lead including Ken Jeong, who appeared in “Crazy Rich Asians,” Lucy Liu and Kal Penn.

Liu is coming off of a seven-season run on the CBS drama “Elementary.” She also will be honored Wednesday with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star will be next to Anna May Wong, who is considered the first Chinese-American actress to achieve Hollywood stardom in the 1920s and 1930s.

“One need only observe the success of API-led shows on other platforms to realize that the public, Asian and non-Asian alike, is eager to consume new stories and enjoy new talent featuring Asian Americans,” said coalition chair Daniel Mayeda.

(Top image: The cast and executive producers of "Fresh Off the Boat" at Disney/ABC Television Group's Winter Press Tour 2015, January 14, 2015. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AP