Feb. 15, 2022
An earlier generation might have called them “members of the press.” The earth-shaking monsters of lead, metal, ink and paper of old have mostly gone silent; the dominant forms of dissemination of news are now broadcast, via radio and television, and dominating outreach to younger generations, the digital pipelines of the day – TikTok and Facebook and Instagram and … and …
Five African Americans presented at the Forum today about their experiences in Charlotte media outlets. The group shared their firsthand experiences, which ranged over the last six decades. The veterans talked about being “firsts” and breaking down barriers to equal opportunity in television. They argued that their presence helped, over time, to reorient the image of the Black community created by their outlets’ coverage. The youngest presenter shared how one organization is using digital platforms to share stories – sometimes the same stories of old, but packaged for an audience uninterested at this stage in the “long read.”
Presenting were Curt Peters, retired TV news director at various places and later spokesman for Southern Bell; Ken Koontz, TV reporter and anchor, owner of a company providing uplinks to satellites for stations nationwide, and longtime Forum participant; Bethany Lane, revenue strategist at QCityMetro.com and a recent UNC Chapel Hill graduate; Steve Crump, longtime TV reporter; and Dedrick Russell, TV reporter recently named to recruit talent for the dozens of TV stations owned by Atlanta-based Gray Television.
Below the video is content from the morning’s chat box.
From the chat box
Excerpts from today’s chat box. Some of the questions raised were addressed by other chat entries, or in the video.
Jackie Edwards Walton:
Was Bill Whitaker (60 Minutes) in Charlotte?
Dedrick Russell:
Yes, Bill Whitaker did work at WBTV.
Yvette Townsend-Ingram:
There are still so many firsts that African Americans are still battling to achieve in all aspects of life, even as we push back on whether or not it is morally acceptable to be intentional in seeking Black people for “firsts.” What tools should our generations use to continue to push boundaries and normalize Black people in public spaces, like our first Black, female SCOTUS nominee or our first Black, majority NFL owner?
Natheley McElrath:
Approximately how many members in National Association of Black Journalists?
Dedrick Russell:
NABJ, established in 1975, has more than 4,000 members and growing.
Tim Emry:
To what extent do you think local news is still rooted in anti-Black racism, particularly as related to crime coverage and what do you do to push back against that?
Winston Robinson:
As Black journalists working for major news outlets, how did/do you combat the “crime & grime” sensationalism in news, meant to increase viewership and ad revenue?
Jackie Edwards Walton:
Who was the NABJ founder at WSOC?
Dedrick Russell:
Derwood Hall was a founder of NABJ from WSOC.
Winston Robinson:
Is there a pipeline at JCSU that nurtures the future of Black journalists by connecting students with legendary figures such as Mr. Peters & Mr. Koontz?
Robert Hillman:
What is the best approach to developing relationships with media to get them to cover the positive stories in the community? How do we package the community stories so that they are compelling so that it is deemed newsworthy and can compete with the “if it bleeds it leads” mentality?
Jennifer De La Jara:
You are invited to a Zoom meeting where BOE At-Large Member Jennifer De La Jara will give updates on CMS and take questions from participants. March 14, 6 p.m. Register herehttps://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtduiorjMtHNXXP_bQNQmz1I9EkVLafx7K
Belal Elrahal:
Please join us at Tin Fulton Walker & Owen on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. You can learn more about the event and my campaign at https://www.elrahalforjudge.com/events
Matt Newton:
Good Morning Everyone, this is City Councilmember Matt Newton and I’m running for District Court Judge (Seat 16) this year. Please visit www.mattnewtonforjudge.com for more information and follow me on Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/mattnewtonforjudge.
Keiba Young:
The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg General Body Meeting will be held on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. If you would like to attend the Open Session, send an e-mail to [email protected].
Becky Carney:
Legislature will be voting on court-ordered redrawn Redistricting Maps on Thursday.
Mary Belk:
The House women in our Mecklenburg delegation are going to have a series of conversations with women throughout Mecklenburg County. Rep.’s Carney, Cunningham, Logan, Hunt…. The series is Women to Women. First will be March 10, 5:30-7 p.m. at The Armored Cow Brewing Co.
Tim Emry:
To learn more about me and the campaign to transform justice in Charlotte, please visit https://timforda.com
Chris Bazzle:
I am Magistrate Chris Bazzle and I am running for Mecklenburg County District Court, Seat 1 (the Best Seat). I have been a NC attorney for 13 years, and have been serving our County as a Magistrate since 2016. I am running to continue my service to our community as your next District Court Judge. I am working to earn your support and your vote! Please learn more and please show your support at https://www.BazzleForJudge.com and https://www.facebook.com/BazzleforJudge.
Carlenia Ivory:
Kudos to everyone who presented but let’s not forget the African American women: Debbie Mann Gibbs and Ken Koontz worked together over 40 years ago.
Lisa Ellsworth:
Please stay connected to my campaign for State Senate District 42 at https://ellsworthfornc.com/.