Season 3 of Undercover Boss was a Major Disappoint.

Season 3 of Undercover Boss was a major disappoint for the simple reason no African Americans were featured. Of the 14 episodes which aired featured 11 men and 3 women whom were all white (Caucasian), there we no African Americans. Of the 3 seasons since Undercover Boss has been on television, only (ONE) African American has been profiled. In an age of diversity and inclusion, this is deeply troubling to me and I am sure to many other viewers. I will continue to speak out against CBS network Undercover Boss lack of diversity and inclusion of African Americans In network programing. I plan to continue to blog, write networks, news outlets and anyone who will listen. I will continue to give voice to this sad and troublesome cause.

CBS “Undercover Boss” Misses the Mark With Respect To Diversity and Inclusion

CBS network show “Undercover Boss” premiered right after the N.F.L. 2010 Super Bowl. For anyone who has not watched the show it features a company CEO/President who goes undercover as an employee. He or she performs the job/task as employees generally at entry level positions. During the time as an undercover employee the CEO learns first-hand the working conditions and task they must perform. At the end of the telecast the CEO reveals who they really are and points out changes in policies and procedures that must be changed to make the company and its employees more efficient.

During the first season and thus far, “Undercover Boss” has yet to feature an African American as an undercover boss. A white female boss was featured several weeks ago, and a Hispanic male has also been featured. As of 1/16/11 and roughly 11 months on the air, there have been no African Americans as a company CEO that has gone undercover. I cannot say enough how this disappoints me as well as a growing number of people who view CBS network programming. This lack of diversity troubles me.

I have written to the network, however my attempt to voice my complaint has been unsuccessful and perhaps has fallen on deaf ears or swept under the rug. In addition, I have read several comments by viewers who have also voiced their displeasure with the lack of diversity. You would think that after almost 10 months of programming, the producers of the show would stop and think and say, “We need to profile an African American.” As I type these words on my computer, there has not been an African American boss to appear on the show.

I do not know if this is something CBS has overlooked, caught unawares, an intentional act or something else. However, in my opinion this is unconscionable and inexcusable. There are many African American CEO’s and business leaders who are not only a deserving qualified candidates, but who would also make a worthy prospect to appear on the show because of challenges minorities must face to climb the corporate ladder.

It simply comes down to doing the right thing. It is my objective that the producers of CBS’s show – Undercover Boss will open their eyes and see the lack of diversity in their programming. Also look at what needs to be done to move forward to ensure that future programming will include and not exclude African Americans. Studies on race and gender diversity on television has found that networks aren't making the grade when it comes to fair and accurate representation in their programming. With this in mind, it is time that network executives, producers, marketing personal, and advertisers be held accountable.

As an African American, I am not only troubled but I feel that it is not a true reflection of our society. Why is it that we can put an African American in the White House but still are misrepresented in network programming? This is a wake up call, it is the year 2010 not the 1970’s.

I urge you to go to CBS.com a voice your complaint with CBS “Undercover Boss” in their FEEDBACK FORUM