TMJ4 faces backlash for asking Black business owners to pay to appear on air during Black History Month

Milwaukee’s NBC affiliate TV station stirred up some ill feelings after marketing an opportunity to local Black-owned businesses to appear on a morning program during Black History Month, but only if they were willing to pay $1,000. WTMJ-TV sent marketing emails to several Black business owners in the area offering an opportunity to appear on “The Morning Blend,” TMJ4’s daily lifestyle program, which airs weekdays at 9 a.m. The email included an attachment with a Black History Month graphic that noted how important it is for the program to highlight Black-owned businesses during February. “It is important to The Morning Blend to highlight black-owned businesses during Black History Month to celebrate their contributions, promote diversity, amplify voices, tell their story, and foster inclusivity and understanding in the community,” the attachment read. Business owners who pay will get a copy of the segment. “This is a great opportunity to tell your story and reach the members in your community,” the attachment read. It offered that a business’ “investment” would be $1,000, which the email said was a discounted price. “If you’re going to invite us to celebrate Black History Month then we shouldn’t be charged to come in to celebrate Black...