Study finds HBO No. 1 network for gay-friendly fare

HBO tops the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's third annual Network Responsibility Index, a study that evaluates the quantity, quality and diversity of images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people on television. Among the five broadcast and 10 of the highest-rated cable networks, once again none earned the top "excellent" ranking, with five, including NBC and CBS, getting a "failing" grade. Four networks were rated "good," led by HBO with 42 percent representation of LGBT characters, a 16 percent increase from last year. Virtually all non-sports original HBO series included LGBT content, with shows such as "True Blood" and "The No. 1 Lades Detective Agency" lauded for featuring "complex and authentic LGBT characters from diverse backgrounds." Also singled out in the report is ABC's drama "Brothers & Sisters," which features three gay characters among its regular cast, as well as the network's "Grey's Anatomy," which has a bisexual woman among the leads. Overall, "GLAAD analysts found that ABC consistently offers the most fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the five broadcast networks," the survey said.