Streaming with more diversity? A comparison of the representation of minorities in broadcasting versus streaming television content

Abstract

This study focused on the representation of minority groups on television, following the idea(l) that television as a mirror of society should convey a well-balanced representation of society. The current study extends previous research in that it analyses the potential for differences between regular broadcasters and streaming platforms, due to the latter’s public commitments to diversity and inclusion. Our results reveal that on Dutch prime-time television and popular streaming platforms women and seniors are underrepresented, whilst sexual minorities are overrepresented on public broadcasters and ethnic minorities on all platforms. Furthermore, results revealed that public nor commercial broadcasters nor popular streaming platforms succeed in being a fully inclusive, diverse, equitable, and representative reflection of Dutch society.