Episode 111: Black Media: Good, Bad, or Mid? (Season1 Finale)

Host: Kyron Ryals, Manny Smith, and Camari Ellis


Episode Description:
Join us for a special live recording of Black Voices Matter at Radio Kismet, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ). In this episode, we explore the current state of Black media, its challenges, and its successes. Is Black media a positive force for the community, or does it still have room for growth? Our panel of hosts and guests engage in lively debates, tackling issues around media literacy, journalism standards, and the role of Black creatives in the evolving media landscape.

The conversation also touches on the influence of mainstream media outlets, the rise of digital platforms like The Shade Room, and how these channels are shaping the future of Black representation in news and entertainment. Are platforms like The Shade Room and TMZ evolving into more credible journalistic spaces, or are they fueling misinformation?

Key Discussion Points:

1. Black Media: Good, Bad, or Mid? - Hosts and audience share their opinions on whether Black media is serving the community well, or if it needs to evolve further.
2. The Evolution of The Shade Room – Exploring the platform's potential shift toward serious journalism and its role in Black media today.
3. Is Black Representation Enough? – Does having Black faces in mainstream media make a difference, or are these platforms still catering to dominant, non-Black narratives?
4. Media Literacy and Misinformation – The panel delves into the differences between journalism and general media content, and why media literacy is crucial for Black audiences.
5. The Importance of Supporting Independent Black Creators – Why pooling resources and supporting Black media organizations is essential for future growth.

Quotes to Highlight:

• “There's journalism and there's media. All journalism is media, but not all media is journalism.” - Ernest Owens
• “Representation is a big part of what we advocate for at PABJ, but we also need to recognize mainstream media isn’t always for us.” - Manny Smith
• “We don't need white mainstream media for the Black community. We have homegrown people who can tell our stories.” - Unkknown