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

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 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. 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 Chairman Biden Henry said. The NNPA is the trade association representing the Black Press of America. “This underrepresentation, neglect, and disrespect not only undermines the economic stability of Black-owned businesses, but also limits the diversity of voices and perspectives essential to a vibrant democracy....