CBS responds to gay criticisms

CBS will make a conscious effort to introduce gay characters into its shows, network president Nina Tassler has confirmed.

Last year, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation criticised the Eye network for its lack of gay characters, while it was recently reported that CBS had rejected adverts from a gay dating site.

"Any show can have gay characters," Tassler told The Hollywood Reporter. "We're conscious of that as well. This year one of our pilots, Quinn-tuplets, has gay characters. Any series can.

"This year we made a concerted effort to suggest to producers, if not in pilot, then as we go forward."

Tassler added: "Diversity has always been a priority. It is a conscious choice across the board to pay attention and to add diversity any way we can."