Issues Under Fire: The Future of Black News in America
Since it's no secret that African-Americans and other minorities generally get far more negative news coverage than the general population, it was saddening to hear the only early morning political news talk program giving voice to Black issues was being canceled. When Roland Martin of TV One's News One Now announced the last live show would be broadcast 12.21.2017, he was essentially announcing the end of Black TV News in America. News One Now filled a void for African-Americans seeking news and updates on stories that would otherwise go underreported, if reported at all. This is not good news.
With a bold, brash style, News One Now unabashedly approached the issues of the day from a Black perspective. And given the way news is now divided along political, racial, cultural and ethnic lines, Black America could hardly afford to lose its only channel of truth as they saw it. Think it through. Does CNN, MSNBC or Fox News really speak to Black issues in any significant way? The mainstream media speaks to America mainstream. That's how they generate income. It's not about race per se, it's about the money.
Let's face it, mainstream America won't appreciate stories about Black Lives Matter or police brutality. Mainstream America won't really be interested or understanding of Colin Kaepernick's protesting racial injustice in this nation. Mainstream America won't remember names like Eric Gardener, Michael Brown, Freddy Grey, Tamir Rice or Sandra Bland like they've been seared into the hearts and minds of Black America. If anything, stories like these can actually piss mainstream America off. Mainstream America doesn't tune into the news to hear about Black issues. And even those who do every now and then, only respond to the soft, non-threatening versions.
On the other hand, News One Now was fearless and filterless when covering News from the Black point of view. But it was more than that. Black viewers could relate to the invited guest and regular contributors. Black viewers had a media space that offered Black commentators providing opinions they could respect and trust. And even though Martin wasn't the most polished of news anchors, for those who'll point to the likes of Don Lemon at CNN, Joy Reid at MSNBC or Lester Holt at NBC for comparisons, they need to understand Lemon, Reid, and Holt are on a short leash, because they speak to a Whiter audience. They can only go so far or say so much when addressing "Certain Issues". And even if they do chance going out on a limb, they'd better be mindful of their tone and their place. Remember Tamron Hall and Melissa Harris-Perry?
Citing budget constraints, interim general manager Michelle Rice said suspending the production of the daily morning show was a difficult decision. And that's most unfortunate because, after four years of providing award-winning programming to an underserved market, TV One should have sacrificed anything and everything to save this unique and invaluable community asset. Unfortunately, until Black America steps up to the challenge of supporting Black Media, Black Americans will remain in the dark. Still, all is not lost. We've got a solution.
Bottom line: Fortunately, nothing is irreplaceable. Therefore, you can take comfort in the fact that RetroVision Media is working to do just that. When we return after our scheduled Winter Break in mid-January, we plan to challenge Black America to step up and support Black News. We're going to spearhead a national effort to fund News programming that focuses on Black life and issues in America. So, you can expect a major push for donations and other means of support to keep Black News alive and thriving in this country and beyond. Podcast below.
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