LOS ANGELES – September 25, 2024 – Geena Davis Institute (GDI), the leading global research-driven advocacy organization, today released, “See Jane 2024: How has On Screen Representation in Children’s TV Changed from 2018-2023?” With grant support from the Nielsen Foundation, this annual study analyzes both popular and new children’s programming to reveal whether or not the television industry is creating inclusive and diverse content.
Television is a powerful influence that imparts and reinforces norms and expectations to its audience, especially shaping perceptions of younger viewers. GDI’s mission is to diversify on-screen representation in all media so that it reflects many cultures and identities.
“Our findings from this year’s study reveal positive progress as we near parity for female lead characters and have achieved parity for female ‘human-like’ animated characters in new children’s programming,” said Madeline Di Nonno, president and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute. “Characters of color are also well-represented among leading roles in new children’s programming. However, when we examine other dimensions such as the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities, we do not see much progress. It is critical to see their stories on screen to mitigate harmful stereotypes and biases. And, we know these audiences want to see their stories and will embrace content that positively reflects their lives, especially for children.”
Key findings from the 2024 See Jane report include:
- Gender Representation: In 2023 new children’s programming, female leads hit a record-breaking high of 47.8%, an increase from 44.3% in 2022. In addition, half of all “human-like” animated characters in new children’s program in 2023 are female characters, therefore achieving parity.
- Race/Ethnicity Representation: In new children’s programming, 63% of leads are characters of color.
- LGBTQIA+ Representation: Neither new nor popular children’s programming from 2023 feature an LGBTQIA+ character in a leading role.
- Disability Representation: In new children’s programming, only 0.8% of leading characters are disabled, a decline from 1.3% in 2022.
- Body-Size Representation: In 2023 new children’s programming, representation of fat characters increased to 7.9% of all characters, up from 6.3% in 2022.
- Age Representation: In 2023 new children’s programming, representation of 50-plus increased to 9.4% of all characters, compared with 8.8% in 2022.
“Media has the power to shape perceptions and break biases, and this power starts with what our kids are watching,” said Andrea Bertels, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at Nielsen and President/Executive Director, Grantmaking at the Nielsen Foundation. “Congratulations to the Geena Davis Institute on the launch of this very important work, which the Nielsen Foundation is honored to support. We know it will raise awareness to inform future narratives so the next generation can see more and be more.”
The full 2024 See Jane report can be viewed HERE. Visit geenadavisinstitute.org for more information or keep up with Geena Davis Institute on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, or Youtube.
About Geena Davis Institute
Founded by two-time Academy Award Winning Actor Geena Davis, GDI has a 20-year history working to mitigate unconscious bias and reduce negative stereotyping in entertainment and media, and provides direct guidance and thought leadership on increasing representation across gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, disability, age, and body type.
About Nielsen Foundation
The Nielsen Foundation is a private foundation originally funded by Nielsen, a global data and analytics company. The Foundation envisions a more equitable world, enabled by inclusive media and technology, where everyone has a voice and opportunities to succeed. Its mission is to power and advance inclusive innovation and representation in the media and technology industries, especially through the use of data and research.
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