We often say that journalism “gives voice to the voiceless,” when what it really does – or can do – is remind us to listen to voices we’ve ignored. When communities are underrepresented in our coverage, they’re more likely to be marginalized or stereotyped. The same holds true in our newsrooms. RTDNA surveys show BIPOC are underrepresented in newsrooms and particularly in management roles. As our nation is reckoning with race, equity and inclusion, our newsrooms must too, and it starts with listening deeply. Join us for this Town Hall, where we’re talking to Black newsroom leaders who have spoken up about their experiences over the last weeks and months and inviting all local newsrooms to listen and learn, and take the lessons back to continue these conversations in your newsrooms.
Panelists:
Two-time EMMY Award winner News Anchor Sherri Jackson is a veteran journalist who has spent two decades telling the stories of the people of Central Alabama at CBS 42 News.
Shamarria Morrison is a Weekend Evening Anchor at WPSD Local 6 in Paducah, Kentucky. Morrison has served as a multimedia journalist since she came to WPSD in 2019.
Chris Thomas is an anchor at ABC10 in Sacramento, specializing in general news reporting. Chris is an award-winning journalist who reported from Washington, DC for the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and most recently for Pope Francis’ visit to our nation’s capital.
J.J. Green is the National Security Correspondent at WTOP radio. He reports daily on international security, intelligence, foreign policy, terrorism and cyber developments and provides regular on-air analysis.
Morning Reporter Tori Mason joined CBS4 in August 2017. Prior to that, Tori reported, produced and anchored at WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas. She has won Kansas Press Club and Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards for her feature reporting.