Ascheim and Burke also agreed that progressive change comes when the doors are opened for those who otherwise would not have the opportunity. "The more diverse voices we have creating television and film...the more diverse representation there will be," said Burke. Freeform, as the two executives explained, puts this ideology into action both on- and off-camera. According to Burke, 66% of all episodes are directed by women and 68% of staff writers on Freeform shows are female or from diverse backgrounds. In addition, each show on the network is executive produced by at least one woman.
Ascheim is proud of the work his network has done in elevating the voices of marginalized communities and believes that consumers and advertisers alike crave compelling stories that are "authentic, but not gratuitous."
Check out the full panel on variety.com HERE | 