Government Excludes and Discriminates Against Black-Owned Media Despite Federal Advertising Spending Reaching $15 Billion

However, despite the government’s mandate to provide contract opportunities to businesses owned by minorities, women, and other socially or economically disadvantaged groups, significant disparities persist. By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent A new report released this month has revealed that the federal government spent $14.9 billion on advertising contracts over the last ten fiscal years to inform the public about various programs and services. However, despite the government’s mandate to provide contract opportunities to businesses owned by minorities, women, and other socially or economically disadvantaged groups, significant disparities persist. The report found that contracts with those businesses represented about 14% of total federal advertising spending, amounting to $2.1 billion from fiscal years 2014 to 2023. Additionally, federal agencies allocated about $1.1 billion for COVID-related advertising contracts, with only 3.5%, or about $37 million, awarded to these disadvantaged businesses. – Advertisement – Additionally, the report does not specify the amount allocated to Black-owned media. Several previous reports suggest that Black-owned media received no more than $10 million of the total $14.9 billion spent. “Of the $14.9 billion spent, a disproportionately small fraction has gone to Black-owned media,” National Newspaper Publishers Association Chair Chairman Biden Henry stated. The NNPA...