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A WFT Reader Asks: “Why no African American Cooks on the Network?”

by Ashtyn Evans

I received this letter in my email a moment ago. The woman who wrote it assumed that my blog was more affiliated with Food Network then it really is. Despite that fact, I have decided to list her question as it deserves to be asked. She wants to know where the African American cooks are on the Network.

I just want to know why is it that you all have not been able to locate an African American cook with the skill to present on your food tv network. There are a few food network tv shows that I feel that we can do without, Sandra Lee, that quick fixes cook show, just to name a few. If you will have at least one African American cook show will assure me that you are truly diverse, it seems to be that there are more than enough Italian cooks on the food tv network. I hope that my interest will be considered and that i and my fellow African American food network tv watcher will have something to look forward to. Thank you.

I have to admit that I had never really thought about it, but the reader is right. There really is no African American presence on the network. Al Roker has a show though he does not generally cook he travels to restaurants and samples their foods. Paula Deen will occasionally have African American guests on her show that help her cook, but again it is not their show, its Paula’s. I can’t even recall any major players on Iron Chef being African American, though I may be wrong on that one.

So, why not have at least one African American cook for a network with plenty of shows? I am curious to see what the angle would be. The reader mentioned Italian cooks on the network, but in the cases of Giada and some of the others, the main focus is Italian cooking. What would the focus for the African American chef be? Whatever the answer is to that we do not know, since there is not a chef fitting this bill on the network.

What do you think readers? Is Food Network lacking due to their lack of an African American chef? Let us know!

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7 Responses to “A WFT Reader Asks: “Why no African American Cooks on the Network?””

  1. KD Griffin Says:

    I watch the Food Network but tend to watch the Bravo reality shows. I do notice if their are minority contestants in general. The competition reality shows, because they have a larger group, tend to have more diverse pool of talent. Hmmmm maybe that’s why I like them.

    Food favored by African American is Southern by nature which is why Paula Dean appeals to that demographic. I did really love Reggie from the Next Food Network Star.

  2. Jenna Swanson Says:

    Hi. I have often thought about the lack of African American presence on Food TV. Warren Brown of Sugar Rush is there. Al Roker’s show and other African Americans host various shows on Food TV. Also, on NFNS each season it is obvious that one of the goals is to provide a group of diverse ethnicitys. I thought that this past season Niki was the most attractive and “proper” female contestant. Too bad that she was so over-rehearsed that she came across boring. Reggie came oh so close last year too. I wonder if the lack of African American Chefs equals lack of African Americans watching Food TV equals lack of African Americans watching and voting for NFNS. I am auditioning this year. I hope to make it on but I am a white girl and it might be difficult to stand out amongst the other white girls! I really think they want a more diverse group of chefs. What do you think?

  3. Ashtyn Evans Says:

    Jenna,

    I honestly don’t think that it matters what color/race you are. I think when it comes time for NFNS they are looking for the most original videos and for the people that will make the best impact on the Network. Good Luck in trying out! I have considered doing so as well, but with my life as hectic as it is I just don’t think it’s the right time.

    As for the African American thing I don’t think they are purposely not filling a niche. I think its just a matter of the right person/show not coming along yet.

  4. Jenna Swanson Says:

    Ashtyn,
    Thanks for the support!

  5. KD Griffin Says:

    I’m not sure if I agree that race doesn’t matter. That’s a bit of a polyanna attitude. They do want good chefs/cooks. That is the most important think but if you’ve got a lilly white cast and it’s. down to two chefs that have diversity about them-well then that appeals to a different demographic and that’s what you want. Reality shows give you the opportunity to appeal to a number of people. It’s all about the money. A reality show is more bang for your buck.

  6. TV » A WFT Reader Asks: “Why no African American Cooks on the Network?” Says:

    [...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI just want to know why is it that you all have not been able to locate an African American cook with the skill to present on your food tv network. There are a few food network tv shows that I feel that we can do without, Sandra Lee, … [...]

  7. Diana Says:

    There have been some pretty good cooks on the Next Food Network Star shows, but alas, the FN is more interested in having bubble headed twits who’ll show their breasts on TV for ratings than actual chefs with skill. Take off Rachael Ray, Semi Homemade, Robin Miller, and put on at least 2 African American female cooks in their place. We know the food would be better then.

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