GLAAD Presses CBS on LGBT Inclusion

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is calling on CBS to increase LGBT inclusion in its news and entertainment programming. Jarrett Barrios (pictured), president of the media watchdog, says the problem extends beyond the network's decision to air an advocacy ad from the antigay Focus on the Family during the Super Bowl while rejecting another ad with gay content.

A blog post from GLAAD cites incidents on The Early Show, which blurred footage of Adam Lambert's same-sex kiss in a segment about his appearance at the American Music Awards last year. GLAAD also faults The Early Show for inviting antigay commentator Ann Coulter to promote her book on the program last year.

In addition, according to GLAAD, "CBS' fictional programming is equally as controversial when it comes to LGBT inclusion. In GLAAD's Network Responsibility Index, an annual report that maps the quantity, quality and diversity of images of LGBT people on television, CBS received a 'failing' rating last year. CBS was the only broadcast network to post a significant decline, having received an Adequate rating the previous year."

GLAAD says it will request meetings with CBS executives to discuss LGBT inclusion.