Black Media Ownership: A Necessary Force for Change

There are several ways that policymakers and industry leaders can prioritize initiatives that support Black media ownership:

By Sharon S. Gordon - CEO/Founder of Urban Trendsetters Television

Black media ownership has long been a key issue in the fight for representation and diversity in the media industry

Despite comprising approximately 13% of the total US population, Black Americans own just 3.3% of full-power commercial television stations and 5 3% of full-power commercial radio stations, according to a 2019 report by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) This lack of representation has significant consequences for the way Black Americans are portrayed in media and for the types of stories that are told about them

Black-owned media outlets have a unique role to play in promoting a more accurate and nuanced representation of Black Americans and their experiences These outlets have the ability to challenge negative stereotypes and to provide a platform for Black voices and perspectives that may not be represented in mainstream media

In addition to the cultural and social benefits of Black media ownership, there are also economic benefits

According to a 2020 report by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Black-owned newspapers contribute significantly to the economies of the communities they serve, providing jobs and generating revenue through advertising and other sources

Despite these benefits, Black media ownership remains a challenge. A lack of access to capital and other resources can make it difficult for Black entrepreneurs to start and maintain media outlets. This is why it is important for policymakers and industry leaders to prioritize initiatives that support Black media ownership and to work towards greater representation and diversity in the media industry

Increase funding for Black-owned media outlets: One way to support Black media ownership is by increasing funding for these outlets through grants, loans, and other financial assistance. This can help Black entrepreneurs start and maintain media outlets, and can also allow these outlets to invest in new technology, equipment, and other resources

Provide training and education: Providing training and education opportunities for Black media professionals can help to increase the pool of qualified candidates for leadership positions within Blackowned media outlets This can also help to improve the overall quality and sustainability of these outlets

Address structural barriers to Black media ownership: Structural barriers, such as a lack of access to capital and other resources, can make it difficult for Black entrepreneurs to start and maintain media outlets. Policymakers and industry leaders can address these barriers by implementing policies and initiatives that make it easier for Black entrepreneurs to access funding and other resources

Support media literacy and education: Encouraging media literacy and education can help to create a more informed and engaged audience for Black-owned media outlets This can involve initiatives such as funding media literacy programs or collaborating with media outlets to provide educational resources