Government excludes and discriminates against Black-owned media despite federal advertising spending reaching $15B

By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia(NNPA Newswire) – A new report released this month has revealed that the federal government spent $14.9 billion on advertising contracts over the last 10 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 Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions.(Photo courtesy GAO)The report found that contracts with those businesses represented about 14 percent 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 percent, or about $37 million, awarded to these disadvantaged businesses.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...