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PAUL PORTER: CNN: Breaking The News? (D.L. Hughley, you've got to be kidding)
*While America is close to electing its first African American to it's highest office, television news is still stuck in a "Jim Crow" state of mind.
CNN, over the weekend debuted "D.L. Hughley: Breaks The News," the only African American hosted cable news program. Hughley, reverted back to his early BET "Comic View" days, lacking the intellectual clarity he often displays on Bill Maher or even recent CNN appearances.
DL's material was immensely stereotypical, but calculated programming that continues to stifle mainstream media perceptions. CNN's attempt of a Flava Flav style of African American entertainment is an alarming step backward for a respected news organization.
It's easy to point the not funny finger at D.L. Hughley but the real story is who's behind the camera. While this election cycle has shown a diverse collection of analysts and pundits, media ownership and equity of power in television and radio are far from equitable.
While people of color make up 33% of the American population, less than 7% are owners and even fewer are in decision making positions. Yes, there are plenty of Black anchors and reporters on cable and network news but the content they report continually falls short. Perception has replaced reality; millions of Americans are yearning for more, while receiving less.
Watch D. L. Hughley interview "Freddie Mac":
Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage and Bill O'Reilly's talk radio programs reach more audience in a WEEK, then all Black talk radio stations reach in a YEAR. Fair and balanced? Of course not; 98% of African American radio stations cater only to beats and bling, with an emphasis on entertainment, not news.
CNN's look at "Black in America" in July sparked much needed discussion, leaving an open door for continued substance with huge ratings. Hughley's show, simply mirrored the ratings strapped BET, Viacom's inept step child that consistently comes under fire from the African Americans they are suppose to serve.
The odds look good for Barack Obama to make history as America's first
African American President, but don't hold your breath if your waiting for one informative African American cable news show.
Paul Porter
www.IndustryEars.com
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