In the era of social media and blogs, broadcast journalism in Arizona, and around the country, stands at a crossroads. In order to stay relevant in today’s news environment, it must support a more diverse and innovative industry. Standard General’s acquisition of TEGNA broadcast stations is poised to give the broadcast news business a much-needed investment shot in the arm, but unfortunately regulators at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to hold up this transaction in an unprecedented way. After a review that last a year already, the FCC recently took action to block the deal by delaying it further.
The FCC says it wants to increase minority media ownership over and over again, but unfortunately failed to take action to actually do something about it. This acquisition will create the largest minority-owned and women-run broadcast company in the United States under the leadership of Soo Kim and Deb McDermott and bring transformational change to the broadcast industry. For Arizona, this means building up and supporting its stations in the state, which include KNAZ in Flagstaff, NBC 12 in Phoenix, and Fox 11 and My 18 in Tucson.
Broadcast journalism matters now more than ever, as print media continues to decline weekday newspaper circulation fell from 55.8 million U.S. households to less than 29 million between 2000 and 2008. The number of print newsroom employees has been cut in half, and 1,800 of 9,000 local newspapers tracked by one database have closed since 2004.
Fortunately, broadcasters are stepping up to fill the information void, with 7 people out of 10 indicating they currently get at least some of their news from television. But television newsrooms and boardrooms don’t adequately reflect the diverse communities they serve.
A 2019 Radio Television Digital News Association survey found that barely 25% of local TV news employees were people of color while 2018 census data showed 40% of Americans identified as minorities. Newsroom employees overall are more likely to be white and male than the general workforce.
Broadcast media ownership is no different. Minority individuals now own only 24 commercial television stations – a number that would be more than tripled by the Standard General/TEGNA acquisition.
Having spent my career in the media industry as a producer, anchor, and host for different television and radio networks and as an owner of one of the first multicultural advertising agencies, I understand the importance of having diverse voices in broadcast journalism. To this end, I was one of the founders of Concerned Media Professionals, a Tucson based advocacy group formed in the 1980’s to promote minority voices in general market media.
Minority reporters and owners will not only attract more non-white viewers, but also better ensure that the events ofthe day are examined from the viewpoints of the entire community. I believe that under Standard General’s leadership the TEGNA stations will have the resources they need to create a significant positive impact for minority communities across the country, and specifically here in Arizona.
I have always had a passion and focus to increase diversity in general market media. Throughout my career I worked to feature diverse voices to bring a wider range of perspectives and experiences to the news and newsrooms across the country. Additionally, and for the last 30 years, my company – REA Media Group – has been leading the way in introducing inclusion, diversity, equity and access modalities in corporate organizations, medium-sized businesses, and government entities.
REA Media has been a strong advocate of minority and women-owned business in Arizona and at the regional level, because we feel very strongly that increasing diversity in media is a must for our communities of color. Standard General’s Soo Kim is a Korean immigrant and now a proud Asian-American. Mr. Kim’s business success is a living example of the American dream and his commitment to enhancing diversity in broadcast news and media generally is absolute. I am proud to support minority business leaders like Mr. Kim in an industry that is so important to the future of our communities.The broadcast industry needs more leaders like Mr. Kim who understand the struggles, realities, and dreams of minority communities. The Federal Communications Commission failed to stand up for diversity in media and approve this transaction. It should reverse course and get this right. The future of local news and media diversity is at stake.