Hispanics Have ‘Come a Long Way’ in TV

NEW YORK — Jeimy Osorio, who plays Mariana on Telemundo hit Betty en NY, addressed the room in the Multicultural TV Summit session titled, “The Talent Perspective: Building a Career in Film & TV.” Interviewed by Mark Robichaux, managing director of content of Multichannel News and Broadcasting in Cable, Osorio spoke about what attracted her to Betty en NY, which premiered in February. She mentioned the show’s “message of self love, of self appreciation,” and described Betty as “a show that can heal through laughter.”

Jeimy Osorio

Jeimy Osorio

Osorio said it’s important for Hispanics to depict their culture on television, so the next generation can see authentic characters that they can look up to.

Minorities are finding more work in television. Osorio mentioned how having an Afro enabled her to convert auditions into work. “I would stand out for that,” she said.

There remains work to be done for minority communities in the arts. “It takes time, but I think we’ve come a long way,” said the actress. “This is just a step. I think there’s more to come. If we keep creating stories that inspire others … we’re making a big step in our society.”

Michael Malone

Michael Malone, senior content producer at B+C/Multichannel News, covers network programming, including entertainment, news and sports on broadcast, cable and streaming; and local broadcast television. He hosts the podcasts Busted Pilot, about what’s new in television, and Series Business, a chat with the creator of a new program, and writes the column “The Watchman.” He joined B+C in 2005. His journalism has also appeared in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playboy and New York magazine.