No Smooth Ride on TV Networks' Road to Diversity

On the eve of Barack Obama's election last fall as the first African-American president, television seemed to be leaning toward a post-racial future. But programs featuring black hosts or largely African-American casts have been canceled or shelved. And when Jay Leno's impending departure from "The Tonight Show" caused a shuffling among the late-night talk-show hosting chairs, the lineup remained a white male domain. All of which raises some questions about whether television actually made any progress last fall in better reflecting the audience it serves, and whether viewers will see a return to old, monochromatic ways in the coming season. The networks say they are addressing the issue both in front of and behind the cameras.