LOS ANGELES�Candidness, displeasure, passion, vigor, and humor engulfed presentations made by a panel of minority actors as they championed the plight of Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans in television and film at the NAACP Diversity In Television Hearing held November 29 at the Century Plaza Hotel.

According to NAACP President/CEO Kweisi Mfume, the hearing is the latest in the back and forth exchange between the NAACP and its coalition partners with the four major television networks to achieve diversity in the executive, production, and talent areas of network TV.

"The hearings today are designed not so much to determine whether or not there continues to be a severe problem with respect to equal opportunity in network television, but rather to develop a public record on why this denial of opportunity for people of color continues to go virtually unabated," Mr. Mfume said.

Actor Blair Underwood ("City of Angels," "L.A Law") said that under-representation of Blacks and minorities before the camera is just the tip of the iceberg and that behind the (camera) there is a much greater problem that should be tackled. He argued more Blacks needs to have Nielson ratings boxes so they can be counted.

"If we are going to effect serious change � if we�re going to really instill economic reciprocity, then we have to really target those advertisers," he said.

Also a producer, Mr. Underwood believes that if the issue of executives and producers behind the camera is fixed, ultimately what is seen before the camera will be fixed.

Notwithstanding the possible impact boycotts may have on the already low percentage of Black and minority actors, the NAACP and coalition partners said that a boycott against a network may occur because of many unsuccessful attempts to dialogue and compromise with them.

Even among actors with stable careers in the industry, there are complaints that something is just not right. Although they feel the sting of discrimination and the lack of diversity in programming and hiring, they remain silent for fear of losing their contracts or being blacklisted.

Actress Anne Marie Johnson ("In The Heat Of The Night") said the problem could be thwarted by more prominent actors with negotiating power. "There are many African-American and other minority actors who are exceptionally powerful. If we don�t demand that a certain percentage of the crew behind the camera is of color, or women, then we only have ourselves to blame," she said.

The actress said that separate from men of color, women of color in the industry have a very short window of opportunity. Their concerns are different, and often times, men are in the decision-making process regarding love interests, children, etc.

Critical to resolution, she said, is an education campaign to educate the public as well as network executives.

"I�m embarrassed to say that my industry is 30 years behind what America truly looks like and the attitude of Americans. The racism is so systemic, so internalized, so subconscious, that they don�t even realize they are making these statements," she added.

Committing to do more, CBS Television promised through its president/CEO Leslie Moonves more diversity in its casting departments and executive ranks. The network giant also promised more funding and education programs to promote minority ownership of radio stations and diverse investment banking and pension plans.

"We at CBS are acutely aware of our obligations to serve the public interest. We remain proud of our standard as a broadcaster seeking to serve and entertain the widest possible audience," he said.

"It�s the year 2000 and we�re still talking about very old ugly issues that have not been solved or resolved and need to be addressed," stated Erika Alexander ("Living Single," "The Cosby Show"). She feels that syndication and character development are also key factors for the Black/minority presence in network television, and that efforts to resolve problems surrounding lack of diversity will continue despite lack of support from many who are sitting back. "Eventually people have to see that it�s in their own best interest to speak up," she said.

Menomonee Tribe Chief Apesanahkwat stated that one of the powers of television is its effect on the mental health and psyche of how Native Americans and others are viewed through the lenses. He became an actor to promote positive images of Native Americans, rather than the basic western movie concepts many have.