The Challenges to Black Media Under President Obama

By Clarence Jones via HuffPost

As we approach another anniversary commemorating the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., it is appropriate to pause and reflect on the challenges confronting Black Media under an Obama presidency.

Historically, the press has been characterized as the “Fourth Estate,” a balancing factor to our three branches of government. Protection of public comment and reporting about the activities in the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary (and even individuals within these organizations) is enshrined in our Bill of Rights.

Magazine, newspaper, radio and TV reporters of the “Black Media” continue to appear uncertain, still searching for balance between their celebration and constructive criticism of this country’s first African-American president. To date, adulation and celebration seem to be the dominant themes. However, adulation and celebration are no substitute for clinical, objective evaluation as to whether or not one or more of the prominent policies developed and proposed by President Obama are in the near- and long-term interest of the African-American community.

Read the whole HuffPo Blog

The New York Times Report on Access to Obama by Black Media