From Betrayal to Empowerment: The Imperative Shift Towards a Vigorous Black Press

By Stacy M. Brown | NNPA (NNPA) – The media has always been a vital pillar of democracy because it informs citizens, holds governments at all levels accountable, and provides a platform for diverse opinions and commentary. Despite its importance, journalism has struggled to remain relevant and credible in the age of political polarization and distrust in traditional outlets and newer technologies. Mainstream media produces and disseminates news through various outlets, such as television, radio, and newspapers. These outlets, which include CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, and predominately white-owned publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, and others, also have websites, podcasts, social media, and aggregators.& All of whom have collectively failed to report news favorable or meaningful to the 47 million descendants of Africans who call America home. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that Black Americans are more critical of the media than any other group. Most respondents said the media doesn’t adequately cover issues pertinent to Black America and that coverage of Black communities is often negative or biased. The death of George Floyd under a Minneapolis police officer’s knee outraged millions and set off protests that brought many Black people into the streets...