More acting roles going to women and minorities, but not top TV jobs

Shows like Watchmen, a dark comic-book satire tackling prejudice that won 11 Emmys last month, have intensified that debate as well as creating more roles for black and minority actors. Photo: AFP

Female and minority actors are almost fairly represented in US television series but remain shut out of key behind-the-camera roles including executive jobs, a major new study found.

The "Hollywood Diversity Report" from University of California Los Angeles found 35% of lead roles went to minority actors on cable shows last year. Minorities represent around 40% of the US population.