More Hispanics on TV

The TV season that brought Emmy honors to “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera also saw a rise in employment opportunities for Hispanics at the major networks, according to a new report.

The eighth annual survey by a coalition formed to push for more minority hiring for on- and off-camera jobs in broadcasting found Hispanics made encouraging if “incremental” progress during the 2006-07 season.

ABC, home of “Ugly Betty” and its Hispanic star, led in diversifying its workforce, with CBS, NBC and Fox all earning commendations for improvement. The networks earned overall grades of A and B on the council’s “report card.”

The TV picture was deemed less bright by other minority groups that are part of the diversity effort.

In a report card issued by the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition, none of the networks improved their overall grade from last year.

A total of 29 Asian-Americans were cast in regular roles in prime-time programs, and many roles lacked “significant air time,” the coalition found.

The group singled out two “standout shows” with choice roles for Asian-American actors: “Grey’s Anatomy,” with Korean-Canadian star Sandra Oh, and “Heroes” with Japanese-born Masi Oka.

When it comes to hiring of American Indians, the networks earned overall grades of D or C in an analysis that focused on scripted shows.

The NAACP, an original partner in the coalition, has not participated in recent evaluations.