GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Media Industry Statistics

To highlight the lack of diversity in the media industry, statistics show underrepresentation of women and minority groups in key decision-making roles.

Highlights: Diversity In The Media Industry Statistics

  • Only 34.3% of film roles go to female actors, suggesting a significant gender imbalance in opportunity.
  • In 2019, only 10.7% of directors of top-grossing movies in Hollywood were women.
  • In 2019, only 15.6% of radio news directors in the US were non-white.
  • In the US, only 12.6% of local TV news directors were people of color in 2019.
  • Out of 101 major entertainment companies, only 18 had minorities holding the highest leadership position in 2019.
  • Only 28.9% of speaking characters in 2019's top films were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.
  • About 28% of LGBTQ characters in major studio films in 2019 were people of color.
  • There was a 13% increase in origination market share for films with ethnically diverse casts from 2011-2015.
  • Shows with diverse writers averaged a 1.4 rating among adults 18-49 versus a 1.1 rating for shows without diverse writers.
  • There is an underrepresentation of disabled characters on television, with less than 2% of TV characters portraying a disability.
  • Among all major US publications, editors are 82% white.
  • Of Fortune 500 companies, 91% percent of new CEO’s in 2019 were white.
  • In the top 200 grossing films of 2019, women made up the majority of only 1% of the production teams.
  • In 2020, 32.7% of characters in Netflix movies were from racial and ethnic groups.
  • 41.3% of news employees in digital-native news outlets were women in 2017.
  • Across the top 100 (U.S.) films of 2018, only 2.3% of characters were depicted with a disability.
  • Women accounted for 37% of major characters in broadcast network programs during 2018-2019 season, up from 35% previously.
  • In 2019, only 4 of the Hollywood major film studios had modestly exceeded industry-wide averages for movie producer diversity.
  • In 2019, film directors of color directed 14 of the top 100-grossing films.
  • Persons of color were underrepresented about 2 to 1 among television show creators (27.6%) and broadcast scripted show creators (23.5%) in 2019.

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The Latest Diversity In The Media Industry Statistics Explained

Only 34.3% of film roles go to female actors, suggesting a significant gender imbalance in opportunity.

The statistic that only 34.3% of film roles go to female actors indicates a notable gender imbalance in the film industry in terms of opportunity. This disparity highlights the underrepresentation of women in leading and supporting roles, which can perpetuate gender stereotypes and limit opportunities for female talent to showcase their skills and contribute to the diversity of storytelling in the industry. Addressing this imbalance is crucial for promoting gender equality and ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to pursue careers in acting and storytelling.

In 2019, only 10.7% of directors of top-grossing movies in Hollywood were women.

The statistic reveals a concerning gender disparity in the film industry, particularly in Hollywood where only 10.7% of directors of top-grossing movies in 2019 were women. This statistic underscores the lack of representation and opportunities for women in positions of leadership and decision-making within the movie-making business. The low percentage of female directors not only reflects an imbalance in the industry but also highlights the need for increased diversity and inclusivity to ensure that different perspectives and voices are represented in filmmaking. This statistic serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in breaking through the glass ceiling in traditionally male-dominated fields such as directing in the entertainment industry.

In 2019, only 15.6% of radio news directors in the US were non-white.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, the representation of non-white individuals in the position of radio news directors in the United States was relatively low, with only 15.6% of individuals holding this role identified as non-white. This suggests that there is an underrepresentation of diversity among individuals leading radio news organizations, which may impact the perspectives, voices, and content produced within the industry. Increasing diversity among news directors can help ensure that a wider range of perspectives and experiences are reflected in news coverage, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and representative media landscape. Efforts to address this disparity may involve promoting diversity and inclusivity in hiring practices, providing opportunities for professional development and advancement for individuals from underrepresented groups, and fostering a culture of inclusivity within news organizations.

In the US, only 12.6% of local TV news directors were people of color in 2019.

The statistic indicates that in the United States in 2019, only 12.6% of local TV news directors were individuals who identified as people of color. This suggests a significant lack of diversity among leaders in the local TV news industry, with a disproportionate number of directors being white. A lack of diversity in leadership roles can have implications for the perspectives and storytelling featured in news coverage, potentially limiting the range of voices and experiences represented. This statistic highlights the ongoing need for efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in newsroom leadership positions to ensure a more accurate reflection of the diverse communities that media outlets serve.

Out of 101 major entertainment companies, only 18 had minorities holding the highest leadership position in 2019.

The statistic highlights a concerning lack of diversity in leadership positions within the entertainment industry, with only 18 out of 101 major entertainment companies having minorities in the highest leadership roles in 2019. This statistic suggests that opportunities for minorities to reach top leadership positions within the entertainment sector are limited, potentially leading to a lack of representation and diverse perspectives at decision-making levels. The underrepresentation of minorities in leadership roles can perpetuate systemic inequalities and hinder efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within the industry. Addressing these disparities is crucial for creating a more equitable and representative entertainment landscape that reflects the diversity of its audiences and society at large.

Only 28.9% of speaking characters in 2019’s top films were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.

This statistic states that in the top films of 2019, only 28.9% of the speaking characters came from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. This means that a significant majority of the characters portrayed in these films were likely from dominant racial and ethnic backgrounds, highlighting a lack of diversity and representation in the film industry. The underrepresentation of marginalized groups in media can perpetuate stereotypes, limit opportunities for actors and storytellers from diverse backgrounds, and create a skewed perception of society. Efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in film can lead to more authentic and inclusive storytelling that better reflects the diversity of our society.

About 28% of LGBTQ characters in major studio films in 2019 were people of color.

The statistic “About 28% of LGBTQ characters in major studio films in 2019 were people of color” indicates that approximately 28% of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters featured in movies produced by major studios in 2019 belonged to racial or ethnic minority groups. This statistic highlights a significant representation of diversity within the LGBTQ community in mainstream cinema during that year. It suggests that efforts were made to portray a more inclusive range of identities on screen, although there may still be room for improvement to ensure even greater diversity and representation in future films.

There was a 13% increase in origination market share for films with ethnically diverse casts from 2011-2015.

The statistic suggests that between 2011 and 2015, there was a notable 13% growth in the market share of films that featured ethnically diverse casts. This increase implies that a larger proportion of audiences were attracted to movies showcasing diversity in casting during this time period. The rise in origination market share could be indicative of changing consumer preferences and a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and representation in the film industry. This statistic highlights a positive trend towards more inclusivity in cinema and potentially signals a shift towards increased opportunities for diverse storytelling and representation on the big screen.

Shows with diverse writers averaged a 1.4 rating among adults 18-49 versus a 1.1 rating for shows without diverse writers.

The statistic suggests that TV shows with diverse writers tend to perform better in terms of ratings among adults aged 18-49 compared to shows without diverse writers. Specifically, shows with diverse writers had an average rating of 1.4, while shows without diverse writers had an average rating of 1.1 in this demographic. This difference of 0.3 in ratings indicates a notable disparity in audience engagement and appeal between the two types of shows. The implication is that having a diverse team of writers may contribute positively to the success and viewership of a TV show, potentially reflecting varying perspectives and experiences that resonate with a broader audience demographic.

There is an underrepresentation of disabled characters on television, with less than 2% of TV characters portraying a disability.

The statistic suggests that there is a substantial lack of representation of disabled individuals in television shows, with less than 2% of TV characters being portrayed as having a disability. This underrepresentation raises concerns about the lack of diversity and inclusion of disabled individuals in the media, potentially contributing to stereotypes and misconceptions about disability. The limited visibility of disabled characters on television may also hinder efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of disability within society. Addressing this disparity is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and representative media landscape that reflects the diversity of human experiences and challenges societal norms around disability.

Among all major US publications, editors are 82% white.

The statistic “Among all major US publications, editors are 82% white” indicates that a large majority of editors working in prominent publications in the United States are white. This demographic breakdown highlights a significant lack of racial diversity in editorial leadership roles, suggesting that individuals from non-white racial backgrounds are underrepresented in these positions. The statistic sheds light on potential disparities in opportunities and representation within the field of journalism and publishing, prompting discussion and action towards fostering more inclusive and diverse editorial teams in the industry.

Of Fortune 500 companies, 91% percent of new CEO’s in 2019 were white.

The statistic “Of Fortune 500 companies, 91% of new CEOs in 2019 were white” indicates that a vast majority of the individuals appointed as CEOs in the top 500 companies in the United States were of Caucasian descent. This statistic highlights a lack of diversity in top corporate leadership positions, suggesting that racial minorities are underrepresented among CEOs in these large and influential companies. The disparity could be a reflection of systemic issues related to access to opportunities, unconscious biases in the hiring process, or other factors that hinder diversity and inclusion efforts in corporate America. Addressing this lack of representation is crucial for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the corporate sector and creating more opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to advance to leadership positions.

In the top 200 grossing films of 2019, women made up the majority of only 1% of the production teams.

In the top 200 grossing films of 2019, women accounted for the majority of the production teams in only 1% of those films. This statistic highlights a significant gender disparity within the film industry, where men continue to dominate key behind-the-scenes roles such as directors, producers, writers, and cinematographers. The underrepresentation of women in production teams can have wide-reaching implications, affecting the diversity of storytelling perspectives and limiting opportunities for women in the industry. Efforts to promote gender equality and inclusion in filmmaking are essential to address these disparities and create a more equitable and diverse industry landscape.

In 2020, 32.7% of characters in Netflix movies were from racial and ethnic groups.

The statistic “In 2020, 32.7% of characters in Netflix movies were from racial and ethnic groups” indicates the proportion of characters in Netflix movies that belonged to diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds during the year 2020. This figure suggests that nearly one-third of the characters portrayed in Netflix movies came from various racial and ethnic groups, highlighting a moderate level of representation and diversity in the entertainment content produced by Netflix during that period. This statistic sheds light on the effort and emphasis placed by the streaming platform on showcasing characters from different backgrounds, contributing to more inclusive storytelling and representation in the media industry.

41.3% of news employees in digital-native news outlets were women in 2017.

The statistic indicates that in 2017, 41.3% of employees working in digital-native news outlets were women. This means that a little over two-fifths of the workforce in this specific sector were female. This statistic sheds light on gender representation within the digital news industry, suggesting that there is still room for improvement in achieving gender diversity and equity in the workplace. It also highlights the potential barriers or challenges that women may face in pursuing careers within the digital news sector, and emphasizes the importance of promoting gender equality and creating inclusive work environments to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals in the field.

Across the top 100 (U.S.) films of 2018, only 2.3% of characters were depicted with a disability.

The statistic indicates that out of the top 100 films in the U.S. in 2018, only a small percentage (2.3%) of characters were portrayed as having a disability. This suggests a lack of representation and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in mainstream cinema, which may contribute to the lack of diverse and authentic storytelling in movies. The low percentage highlights a potential gap in the portrayal of characters with disabilities in popular media, which can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder efforts towards promoting diversity and representation in the film industry. This statistic underscores the importance of increasing visibility and accurate representation of individuals with disabilities in media to foster greater inclusivity and understanding in society.

Women accounted for 37% of major characters in broadcast network programs during 2018-2019 season, up from 35% previously.

In the 2018-2019 television season, women comprised 37% of major characters in broadcast network programs, showing an increase from the previous year’s 35%. This statistic indicates a positive progression towards gender diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. The rise in the percentage of female major characters suggests a growing acknowledgment of the importance of showcasing women’s stories and perspectives on screen. However, there is still room for improvement to achieve more balanced and equal portrayal of genders in television programming.

In 2019, only 4 of the Hollywood major film studios had modestly exceeded industry-wide averages for movie producer diversity.

The statistic indicates that, in 2019, only 4 out of the major Hollywood film studios performed slightly better than the average level of diversity among movie producers in the industry. This suggests that while there may have been some progress in terms of diversity among movie producers at these studios, the overall industry still has room for improvement in promoting more diverse voices and perspectives. The fact that only a few studios exceeded the industry-wide averages highlights the continued need for greater inclusivity and representation behind the scenes in the film industry to reflect the diverse audiences and talent available globally.

In 2019, film directors of color directed 14 of the top 100-grossing films.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, film directors from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds directed 14 out of the 100 highest-grossing films. This shows a disparity in the representation and opportunities for directors of color within the film industry, as they made up only a small fraction of the most commercially successful projects. The statistic highlights the need for greater diversity and inclusion in decision-making roles in the film industry to reflect the rich tapestry of perspectives and talents present in society. It also underscores the importance of addressing systemic barriers and prejudices that may hinder the advancement of directors from marginalized communities in the entertainment sector.

Persons of color were underrepresented about 2 to 1 among television show creators (27.6%) and broadcast scripted show creators (23.5%) in 2019.

The statistic indicates that persons of color were significantly underrepresented among television show creators in 2019 compared to their overall representation in the population. Specifically, persons of color accounted for 27.6% of television show creators and 23.5% of broadcast scripted show creators, suggesting that there is a disparity of approximately 2 to 1 between their presence in these roles and their proportion in the population. This underrepresentation highlights a lack of diversity in the entertainment industry and may indicate systemic barriers that limit the opportunities for persons of color to create and shape content in television. Addressing this disparity is crucial for promoting inclusivity, representation, and diverse perspectives in the media landscape.

References

0. – https://www.www.journalism.org

1. – https://www.womenintvfilm.sdsu.edu

2. – https://www.www.usatoday.com

3. – https://www.disabilityin.org

4. – https://www.www.glaad.org

5. – https://www.www.rtdna.org

6. – https://www.annenberg.usc.edu

7. – https://www.www.hollywoodreporter.com

8. – https://www.www.respectability.org

9. – https://www.www.analyticsinsight.net

10. – https://www.www.statista.com

11. – https://www.www.latimes.com

12. – https://www.womenandhollywood.com

13. – https://www.variety.com

14. – https://www.www.pewresearch.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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