Black Ownership …Can We Have Anything!

African-Americans need more decision making power and a greater footprint in media ownership. The climate for black media ownership remains turbulent.Common knowledge is that media ownership is the key to telling African-American stories in ways that are culturally-relevant and inspiring. In today’s media climate, ownership is more important than ever at a corporate level where a few companies own several major televisions, print, online, and radio properties. From my research I learned that the Federal Communications Commission used to give tax provisions that were designed to increase minority ownership of broadcast properties yet it has been eliminated. Earlier this year according to the FCC all major networks and 90 percent of the top 50 cable networks are owned by five companies. These same five companies control much of the prime time television market and its production forces. Media powerbroker Oprah Winfrey is the only BLACK own.
This timeline will help further illustrate the diversity of African American interests. It gives us HOPE. Enjoy!:)
25 years of Blacks in media
1970
The Hollingsworth Group Inc., led by Ed Lewis and Clarence Smith, launches Essence, a magazine for African American women.
Earl G. Graves Publishing Co. publishes the first issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine.
1972
A conference on minority broadcast ownership leads to the formation of the National Association of Black-owned Broadcasters.
Percy Sutton and Clarence Jones organize investors to buy New York's WLIBAM. The acquisition establishes Inner City Broadcasting, which today is the nation's largest black-owned group of radio stations. Inner City now owns cable television, video and music production properties as well.
1973
The National Black Network, the nation's first black-owned radio news network, begins broadcasting to 40 affiliates.
1975
Detroit's WGPR-TV becomes the first black-owned television station in the U.S.
The National Association of Black Journalists is founded.
1978
The Federal Communications Commission adopts tax certificate and distressed sale policies that result in increases in the number of minority-owned broadcast properties. In 1995, Congress would eliminate the tax certificate policy as part of a conservative assault on minority business development policies.
1980
The first black public broadcasting TV station, WHMM, begins broadcasting from Howard University in Washington.
Black Entertainment Television, a cable television programming company, is founded by Robert L Johnson. In 11 years it will become the first black-owned company traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
1981
Pamela McAllister Johnson is named publisher of the Ithaca (N.Y.) Journal, becoming the first African American woman to run a non-black-oriented, mass circulation newspaper.
Don Barden founds Barden Communications. Fourteen years later, he would sell Barden Cablevision, the Detroit cable franchise making up the bulk of his business, for more than $100 million.
1983
Robert C. Maynard purchases the Oakland Tribune, making him the first African-American publisher of a major metropolitan daily newspaper.
1985
Ebony Man, a magazine started by Johnson Publishing Co. for black men, is launched. EM ultimately outlasts its only direct competitor, MBM: Modern Black Men, launched a year earlier.
J. Bruce Llewellyn leads a group of investors to launch Queen City Broadcasting Inc., set up to acquire network television broadcast properties.
1988
W. Don Cornwell, along with partner Stuart Beck, launches Granite Broadcasting Corp. After going public on the NASDAQ exchange three years later, Granite becomes the top performing media stock of 1994.
1989
Emerge, a black newsmagazine, is launched by Wilmer Ames with the help of the Time Warner's magazine division. Two years later, it is acquired by Black Entertainment Television.
1990
Johnathan A. Rodgers is named president of the CBS Television Stations Division.
1994
Dime Bancorp. CEO Richard Parsons is named president of Time Warner, the nation's largest media conglomerate.
1995
Ebony magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary as BE and Essence celebrate their 25th. Meanwhile, BET celebrates its 15th anniversary.
Dennis Hightower is named president of Disney's television division.
COPYRIGHT 1995 Earl G. Graves Publishing Co., Inc.

NPR fires Juan Williams for... no reason at all.

I admit that I've never really liked Williams, but in this instance he admitted his biases. If someone can acknowledge the biases/prejudices they have about others, then that is a step forward in a process of human agency and change. They fired him for inflammatory comments made against Arabs/Muslims..Racists should not be paid by National Public Radio. However I believe his comments were taken out of context and way overblown. He gave an honest personal opinion about a stereotype he possessed, but in the same interview stated he should work against that opinion and not infringe on Muslims rights.
Can a man be honest of his own misperceptions and openly speak that without fear of losing his job? Admitting these perceptions is more beneficial to the conversation than ignoring or denying.
I also argue that as a journalist you can NO longer be seen as impartial and fair. Everyone has biases; however, the goal of a good journalist is/should be separating those biases from the story. RIGHT?Mr. Williams statements, while truthful, flew ...in the face of this. Moreover, Mr. Williams is no fool. Those comments immediately ignited a firestorm of angry responses from Muslims. Mr. Williams was offered a $2million deal with FoxNews and wrote a predictable article pandering to conservatives on FoxNews.com concerning his firing. If Mr. Williams had done a report on biases towards Muslims and discussed the danger of these kinds of perceptions this wouldn't be an issue. However, instead he chose to share his biases and detail how they affected his interactions with Muslims and those that can be perceived as Muslim on a network that supports these kinds of biases and actions. Perhaps, I am too cynical, but I think this worked out exactly the Mr. Williams wanted and I have no sympathy for him "as the only black male on the air." Call me a "radical liberal”

Am I Too Black?

For Blacks to break into the business successfully….. One word…”BRANDING”.
As a current journalism student I find myself in great agony seeking a journalism job.
A degree in journalism, English, or communications is beneficial but it is hardly enough. When deciding on a school to help you investment in your future to become a journalist; make sure the school has a well established t.v program and newspaper. That will allow you to get as much hands-on journalism skills as possible because just understanding how to write well will not secure a journalism internship. I have found that it is best to start your junior years of college seeking internships. Internships are the key to journalism jobs.
That is my advice to anyone trying to get their foot in the door.
However as Black journalist we have to work twice as hard as our counterparts. Students attending HBCU are not awarded the same opportunity as students attending other universities when it comes to equipment, technology and communities relations to get students into local news rooms. And not being afforded opportunities as such makes it difficult for Blacks to gain journalism experience and to compete for journalism jobs.
That’s when “BRANDING” comes into play. You have to market in sell yourself as a package.
Although many Black journalist never possesses the key characteristic essential of a good journalist because objectivity they are way too black, too free and too passionate to conform to societies liking.


Link to Live Chat - 2010 Women & Minorities Survey

http://www.rtdna.org/pages/education/live-chat--2010-women-minorities-survey
.php

Let me know what you think?

Amos ‘N’ Andy

Amos N Andy originated on WMAQ in Chicago on 19 March 1928 as a radio show, and eventually became the longest-running radio program in broadcast history. From June 1951-June 1953, Amos N Andy had 78 Episodes on CBS the show was widely syndicated thereafter until 1966. The plot of the show centered on Amos N Andy schemes to get rich. Amos N Andy was actors Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, two white men that called themselves mimicking so-called” Negro” behavior, the portrayal of black life and culture .The show was canceled in the midst of growing protest with the efforts of Jess Jackson and the black community in 1953.

What is our Amos N Andy today?
Is it Jennifer Hudson’s charter in Sex N The City?


Algonquin J. Calhoun: [Kingfish is trying to get Calhoun to help him dupe Andy] What? Do you think I is low down enough to deceive Brother Andy?
[begins hitting fist on desk]
Algonquin J. Calhoun: Do you think I is crooked enough! Do you think I is spineless enough!
[Kingfish puts $20 on the desk]
Algonquin J. Calhoun: Uh, well, just call me Jellyfish
[pockets the $20]


Link To Show
http://www.veoh.com/collection/nostalgiam-tvshows/watch/v171349986DFcbaxm

No black-and-white answer for the lack of diversity on television

Check The Article Out For Yourself…Link Below
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/06/diversity-television.html

I found this article to be very interesting! And the comments even more interesting!
There is some truth to it all… there is a lack of Blacks in television, minorities period.
And I can see others views as well…85 % of the NBA is Black and they get more then plenty news coverage.
It is time for Blacks to own something to call our own…not only in entertainment, but in news rooms around the country, behind the senses, writing, marketing and all aspects of media to provide our people will dignified representation.

Lack of Black Journalists

The Role of Blacks in the Media: Yesterday and Today

Saving Black Journalist

Discourse: a formal discussion of a subject in speech or writing, as a dissertation, treatise, sermon, etc.
How has the plight of blacks in media been discussed over the years?
It Hasn’t Really! However In June 2010 The National Association of Black Journalist sent a letter to cable networks, claiming that they were "moving backward" on diversity when it comes to creating opportunities for anchors who aren't black.

(Link below to letter)
http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2010/06/30/nabj-letter-to-cable-news-executives-about-the-lack-of-diversity-on-prime-time-news-shows/

There is not one single African American face that represents a cable network on a strong and consistent basis .CNN has taken some strides to hire more black anchors for prime time, i.e.; Soledad O'Brien, Roland S. Martin, Don Lemon Ect., but they do not get the same promotion as Anderson Cooper and Larry King, and other networks have not tried.

BET used to have a news/discussion show with Ed Gordon, but they dropped it because low ratings. After two decades Gordon is returning the BET.
Gordon told Journal-isms that his new show would encompass "everything that's in the headlines, from hard news to pop culture," although "everything under the umbrella of headlines, from the New York Times to the 'Today' show to '60 Minutes,' has taken a turn toward pop culture." But he said "serious issues will be covered and covered well."

Will Gordon save Blacks in the media???

(Link to Gordon full interview with Journal-isms)
http://mije.org/richardprince/ed-gordon-returning-bet

Allow Me To Introduce Myself...

Greetings World

It is my esteemed pleasure for you to be of interest in me.

I have demonstrated great interest in journalism, seeking the key characteristic essential of a good journalist. Passionate to providing people with the vital information they need to be self-sovereign, to be a voice for the voiceless and expose and help alleviate injustices throughout the world. My high degree of personal motivation, journalistic skills and integrity, leadership skills and unwavering commitment to public service will be enriching to society.

I’m a senior Broadcast Journalism student at Jackson State University. I’m currently enrolled in MC 475 Blacks Media.
As a communication student I will embark upon research and study in an effort to identify and analyze prominent Black journalist, Black media outlets and how their roles impact society.
I hope you enjoy…..stay tuned.