Comcast Corp.’s NBC network is dropping the Golden Globes from next year’s broadcast schedule, saying the Hollywood Foreign Press Association that puts on the annual awards show needs to reform its poor record for diversity.
Bloomberg reports the decision adds to a tumultuous few months for the group. And it puts pressure on the membership to enact reforms before next year, when the network will make a call about whether the show can return in 2023.
In recent weeks, major studios and networks have refused to work with the 90 or so journalists who make up the HFPA. The association came under fire earlier this year for its lack of diversity, including no Black members, and for selecting Golden Globe winners in a manner that two journalists called secret and corrupt. The group recently put forward an overhaul plan that others in the industry skewered as inadequate.
In a statement, the HFPA said “implementing transformational changes as quickly -- and as thoughtfully -- as possible remains the top priority for our organization.” The group also included a timetable for adding new members and executives.
While the Golden Globes aren’t as important as the Academy Awards, which influence studio decision-making as well as compensation for filmmakers and stars, the HFPA’s ceremony serves as an important jumping off point for movie and TV awards. Though its audience has been declining, the Globes rank among the most-watched nonsports events on TV, attracting about 7 million viewers in 2021.
But over the past six months, the group has become almost a pariah in the movie business. A Los Angeles Times report published before this year’s show highlighted the lack of racial diversity among the foreign correspondents who make up its membership. Further, others told the newspaper that awards can effectively be “bought” with expensive press junkets, among other inappropriate behavior.
No comments:
Post a Comment