Diversity on U.S. Public and Commercial TV in Authorial and Executive-Produced Social-Issue Documentaries

Abstract

Where are diverse makers and subjects most likely to be found in U.S. TV documentary?This study compares commercial and public TV series, and also anthology formats ("authorial" series) and executive-produced formats. A content analysis for characters and makers showed that public TV authorial series are more diverse than either commercial or other public TV series. Executive-produced public TV does not show consistent commitment to diversity. Independent documentaries have diversity value both in commercial and public TV settings.

Fictional scenarios, real concerns: science fiction and perceptions of human genome editing

“…Another justification for the inclusion of genre is on the production side, as producers have different motivations for their stories. For example, while commercial studios may produce content that reflects traditional social hierarchies, a study showed that authorial documentaries, or those produced independently of broadcast networks, are more likely to be diverse and include directors and characters that are from minority groups; the idea is that independent producers make different creative decisions than executives of commercial television [Borum Chattoo, Aufderheide, Merrill & Oyebolu, 2018]. Producer motivations matter because individuals have more access than ever to content that is not produced by large, commercial studios.…”