STUDY FINDS RISE IN GAY CHARACTERS ON NETWORK TV

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TV_GAY_CHARACTERS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-10-05-07-46-29

NEW YORK (AP) -- The number of gay and bisexual characters on scripted broadcast network TV is at its highest-ever level in the season ahead, according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The total on cable television is also going up.

The 17th-annual "Where We Are on TV" report released Friday by GLAAD found that 4.4 percent of actors appearing regularly on prime-time network drama and comedy series during the 2012-13 season will portray lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender characters. This is up from 2.9 percent in 2011, which saw a dip in what had been a growing annual trend.

The study reviewed 97 scripted TV programs scheduled to air in the upcoming season on the broadcast networks, counting a total of 701 series regular characters. The study found that 31 of them are LGBT characters.

ABC has the highest amount with 10 out of 194, or 5.2 percent, of their regular characters identified as LGBT.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. The only show I watch is "Modern Family" and my favorite characters are Mitch and Cam.

I often say "More air time!"

[William769]

2. Good news.

But it can be better.

[closeupready]

3. Yes, it can be better - like at the point where heterosexuality shocks

and gay characters and relationships are expected.

[beyurslf]

4. I love that Alex is anew regular character on Glee!

[Fearless]

5. I welcome the day when it's expected and not unusual.

We'll get there.

[xchrom]

6. In terms of numbers - I think we will always be too few -

Not to considered unusual or different.

It's dropping the negative views of us that's important.