African Americans in Television: Behind the Scenes

From Frank's Place through Soul Food and Girlfriends, the increased involvement of African Americans in the production of television images has impacted the way television portrays the diversity of American life. Yet little research has been done to explore how minority television workers see their role as creators. This book explores television and race from the perspective of industry writers, producers, directors, and executives. Listening to those directly involved in bringing diversity to television helps uncover the process whereby difference is created and recreated in both the workplace, and on the television screen. Suitable for classes in race, gender, media, media culture, diversity and the media, and African Americans and popular culture, the book will also be of interest to those wishing to enter the television industry, providing insight from workers who have succeeded in an increasingly competitive business.

Gregory Adamo, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Communication Studies at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. He was General Manager of WSIA-FM for more than two decades. Dr. Adamo has also taught at Rutgers University, Richard Stockton College, and the College of Staten Island of the City University of New York.