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Racism in Media Outlets
Racism in Media Outlets is a pressing issue that has been gaining attention in recent years. Unfortunately, it’s not just a matter of isolated incidents, but a systemic problem that has been ingrained in the media industry for a long time. According to Yahoo News, a study by the University of Southern California found that, in 2019, only 21% of newsroom staff in the top 10 cable news networks were Black, despite making up around 13% of the US population.
It’s not just about representation, but also about the kind of representation that matters. When we watch TV or scroll through our social media feeds, we see faces that are overwhelmingly White. This can have a profound impact on the way we perceive the world and the issues that matter. As Yahoo News reports, this lack of diversity can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy for communities of color… perpetuating systemicracism.
But what’s even more disturbing is the blatant exclusion of Black media outlets from mainstream conversations. Just recently, CNN was slammed for reportedly excluding Black media from a presidential debate. This is unacceptable and highlights the lack of recognition and respect for Black voices in the media. It’s not just about one incident… but a pattern of behavior that needs to be addressed.
We need to start recognizing the value of Black media outlets and the perspectives they bring. We need to start amplifying their voices and giving them the recognition they deserve. It’s not about pitting one group against another, but about creating a more inclusive and equitable media landscape. So, “what can we do?” Well, “for starters,” we can start by supporting Black-owned media outlets and amplifying their voices on our social media channels.
We can also advocate for more diversity and inclusion in newsrooms and encourage our favorite news outlets to prioritize representation. Let’s work together to create a media landscape that is more just and equitable.
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The Congressional Black Caucus PAC released a statement via New York Rep. Gregory Meeks saying that “CNN’s exclusion of Black-owned media represents an egregious oversight and is totally unacceptable” and calling on the network to “immediately credential Black-owned media outlets” prior to the debate.
Keith Boykin pointed out that the exclusion of Black media was particularly egregious for a debate being held in Atlanta, “a city with a large Black population, a Black mayor, and several Black media outlets.”
Roland Martin, linking to a report by the Atlanta Black Star, tweeted that it was “disrespectful” that CNN did not grant credentials to any Black American media outlets even as it “Approved Credentials for Reporters from Other Countries.”
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