NBC will not be airing the 2022 Golden Globes amidst criticism against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for lack of diversity among its members. The decision comes despite the HFPA announcing potential reforms to change their work environment. These reforms were not received well and were addressed as superficial by Time’s Up and have resulted in three big studios distancing themselves from the organization.
The HFPA has been under criticism since it was revealed in the Los Angeles Times that the organization had no Black journalists among its 87 members back in February. The HFPA has been pressured to make a change by the media and prominent figures in Hollywood ever since.
The NBC initially supported the reforms proposed by the HFPA, but after the backlash, NBC Universal released the following statement Monday:
We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform. However, change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right. As such, NBC will not air the 2022 Golden Globes. Assuming the organization executes on its plan, we are hopeful we will be in a position to air the show in January 2023.”
The proposed reforms announced a call for an addition of at least 18 new members with a specific focus on Black members. It also has a goal of increasing members by 50% in the next 18 months.
The HFPA has released a statement in the wake of NBC’s decision:
Regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, implementing transformational changes as quickly – and as thoughtfully – as possible remains the top priority for our organization. We invite our partners in the industry to the table to work with us on the systemic reform that is long overdue, both in our organization as well as within the industry at large.”
The statement laid out the series of reforms and plans involving adding new bylaws and the existing board and officers resigning in August upon the election of a new board and hiring of an executive team.
What are your thoughts on NBC’s decision? Do you think it was the right call? Let us know in the comments below!
