BET and Radio One Under Fire
You can’t underestimate the power of black media, especially radio. The medium has been the voice and life line of urban communities. Word to Donnie Simpson, personalities like Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner have an incredible amount of influence, especially because of the consolidation that has gone on over the years.
Of course, the current state of urban America has many questioning whether Black owned media outlets are doing enough to empower their communities. Actually, to put it mildly, some people believe that moguls like Robert Johnson, Cathy Hughes and Debra Lee have sold their communities out to the highest bidder.
It seems like things are heating up. Just last week respected online music editor Andreas Hale quit his position at BET.com claiming that the network was too forgone to be saved. (It’s hard not to see his point. Did you see this year’s BET Awards? Slowly SMH in disgust. )
Up until now, BET has been the main target for media activists. But increasingly the folks at Radio One are being attacked for their corporatist and anti-community behavior.
Just check out this open letter to Cathy Hughes from Paul Porter. He’s really pissed at Radio One’s top boss for a number of reasons, note the block quote below. Sounds like fighting words.
Fear tactics seem to be today’s replacement for news and information. Unfortunately, the listeners you are licensed to serve continue to get your commentary with only entertainment news. While in DC, you made your mark as the “Queen of information”, branding “Information is Power” on your flagship station WOL-AM. News content is none existent in a world where a Black adult is 25 times more likely to hear a syndicated music host like Tom Joyner or Michael Baisden. Syndication on Black radio has increased at an alarming 343%, while white music syndication has decreased in the past ten years. The “less is more” philosophy basically adds up to controlling the messengers.
