Why are so few women writing for TV — and why are the numbers getting worse and not better? In the 2006–07 season, 35 percent of prime-time broadcast writers were women; this past season, only 15 percent were. This thorough, worrisome examination of the trends doesn’t land on a clear conclusion, but leave it to Kurt Sutter to cut through the theorizing. “Just look at the primary measuring statistic for a viewing audience, the only statistic that matters financially — males 18-49. Networks demand that shows be aimed at that target audience. They have to. That’s what advertisers demand of them. No ads, no TV. So by default, for the most part, we are creating television for white guys,” he says. “Play out that reality — who better than to write those shows? White guys. I’m guilty of it. I have women on staff, but the truth is, I’ve learned that men write shows about the struggles of men better than women,” he says. “I’m not saying that women can’t write male characters. Some do, very well. But men can write male characters more accurately.” Oh, Kurt Sutter. Just because your show is aimed at white guys doesn’t mean everyone gets that same directive, nor does it mean white guys only watch shows about other white guys. Be part of the solution, Kurt! We believe in you. [AOL]
