NBC’s “Today” show is receiving some criticism from Gay rights groups for its “Modern Day Wedding Contest,” which kicked off last week.
The contest, which has been running for 11 years now, allows viewers to vote on which couple will win a New York wedding broadcast live on October 6. This week, GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) asked NBC why the application exclusively listed “bride” and “groom.” They were told by the network that the contestants had to have the legal ability to get married in the state of New York. GLAAD was not satisfied with the response and is asking viewers to reach out to NBC:
Please contact NBC and urge the network to open Today’s “Modern Day Wedding” Contest to same-sex couples. Call on NBC to demonstrate a commitment to fairness and inclusion by providing equal opportunity to qualified gay and straight couples alike.
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In response to the group’s call to action — and a reported subsequent 3,000 letters — NBC News contacted GLAAD to set up a meeting today with EP Jim Bell. We have yet to hear the outcome of that meeting.
In addition to the letter/e-mail writing campaign, some activists are considering the truly unthinkable for Friday’s “Today” show: protest at the Lady Gaga concert.
In March, NBC News announced its first ever partnership with an LGBT news source after inking a deal with The Advocate for its NBC News Channel affiliate service.