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As for diversity, Food Network has a handful of African-American hosts (Al Roker, Bobby Rivers, Sandra Pinckney, and Warren Brown); the extent to which their shows are popular depends on--surprise!--whether anyone in the home audience likes watching them.

The only one of the above I watch is Warren's "Sugar Rush"--and I don't even like sugar. (Other than making ice cream once a month, I never make or serve dessert at home, mostly because Mr. Veil is constantly on a diet.) I watch Warren because he's smart, has an attractive personality (not to mention he's pretty easy on the eyes), and actually teaches me something about food. I also watch Alton Brown and Iron Chef America for those same reasons (and, boy, do I wish they would publish the Iron Chef America recipes).

There's a whole bunch of white female hosts I don't watch (even some who are excellent cooks) because I just don't enjoy their personalities. And some audience member who enjoys Screechel and Sandra (*hic!*) Lee probably isn't going to watch Warren.

Food Network didn't need Nikki--she didn't "bring anything to the party" (as Alton would say). I was hoping for Vivienne to stay, but her English was so deficient I quickly realized she was doomed. I'm actually starting to like Jag, so maybe there will finally be a Latin host.