In the two articles we have to read for Tuesday's class, I'm intrigued by what I see as a common theme surrounding how ineffective the magazine industry in America has been in terms of recruiting, promoting, and retaining African-American editors in contrast to how effective another media genre, "Native Radio," has been in creating diversity for a specific population in the United States. Given the poor economic climate for all print media today, is it possible to believe the situation with magazines will improve? If so, what would you suggest? If not, what does this say about the commitment to diversity? Given the same set of conditions for radio, is it likely or unlikely that niche formats serving a specific population can survive? Why or why not?
I think the magazine issue goes back to the idea of hegemony. The author states that the magazine industry is "cliquey and clubby," and that "editors only hire people they know." It seems like the same old problem. The people at the top (old white men) are staying at the top. I think the only way to improve this is to get more diverse people into these organizations. Of course that's easy to say, not so easy to do.
ReplyDeleteIn their article on Native American radio, authors Smith and Brigham discuss the stuggles that native people go through to obtain radio-one of the biggest problems being financing.
I think it's difficult to say whether these small formats will die out. Yes, on one hand there is the problem with financing. But overall, I think the trend of niche formats has grown. It seems that all people, regardless of race, enjoy listening, reading, watching media that gear to their lifestyles. So maybe they won't go away anytime soon. (???)
I think that it is possible to achieve diversity in magazines. I think that as an everyday society, people are more familiar with and comfortable with diversity. I think that as it becomes more and more common, and as Aaron says, "as the old people die," diversity will just happen. If you look at younger generations diversity is very common. I do not think that magazines specific to one group should be the only place a person sees themselves represented, but I think these group specific magazines are important. They serve as a reliable source because the people being represented are the same as the people working for the publication. That being said, bringing diversity to other publications might not improve business, because certain groups might still prefer their magazines. However, I do not think this means that they should only be reflected in magazines that our specific to their group. Different types of magazines target different audiences. For example there are many magazines on gardening. I think these types of distinctions also always need to be in place, but that does not mean that a black, asian or hispanic person should not be on the cover, and that diverse groups should not be filling the pages. Even with magazines like essence specific to one type of race, it does not mean that should be the only place they see an image of themselves. I think the solution is to have a diverse staff. In the article it says that minority employment needs to be viewed not as good for business, not just as good for the soul. I think this is interesting because in class we talk about how business seems to be the main reason that change is being seen, but we can't identify if it is a genuine change. The only genuine change will come when the media realize that society has made changes that reflect more diversity.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the Native American radio stations, I think that the progression described in the article is a positive change, and I do not see a reason that it should change. But sadly, these statistics are old, and progression might not be the case anymore. However, I think media that serve specific populations are necessary, but diverse media are just as necessary. We need media to truly reflect society, and I hope in time it will happen naturally because then it will be genuine.
I think that magazines are inherently homogenous and biased. Unlike other media outlets like newspapers and television news that are at least supposed to reach a large, diverse audience, most magazines were created to serve a particular niche, such as fashion, sports, healthy living, etc.
ReplyDeleteIn these separate niches, even more biases exist. In fashion magazines, for example, most of the stories were written by white women for white women, and the models are all tall, skinny, and young white females. Although magazines like Ebony and Vibe have been created to reach underrepresented audiences, even these magazines are meant for a small portion of the population, rather than being completely inclusive.
In this economic condition, I actually predict that this situation will get worse before it gets any better. Many people are staying in their current positions in fear that if they quit they will be unable to find new work. Companies also seem to be hiring from a very select group of people; a "clique" as the book suggests.
There is however, a new and more diverse generation of journalists who are qualified for these positions. It is difficult to say what would cure the lack of diversity at magazines, as I see the issue as one of management rather than available talent. Hopefully as the economy improves, magazines will begin opening their doors to a more diverse staff. The book also mentions that some magazines take in student interns of different ethnicities, so hopefully this will help some editors overcome their biases. I still, however, do not see diversity being a major concern or commitment for many magazines, as they tend to be very exclusive.
I think that niche radio stations such as the Native American stations mentioned in the book will have a lot better chance of survival. Although funding is still a major issue, it seems like formats such as XM radio have allowed for much more specific radio stations. As someone mentioned above, people seem to enjoy media that reflects their own lifestyles. Podcasts may also be a means for these stations to reach much larger audiences.
I agree with Sybil to an extent that things are not going to change soon. I think that some print media will survive but not all of it. I feel that this has little to do with race. Niche media, whether it be magazines, or websites or newspapers, will only be as strong as their readership and advertising. To say that magazines or other publications that are aimed at a specific race of people will automatically die out because they are meant specifically for a group is essentially judging that group and saying basically advertisers dont want them because they have no money. Though there may not be many african american editors of magazines, that does not necessarily mean that a magazine meant specifically for african americans wont survive.
ReplyDeleteThough it would probably help with content to have some people of the same race on the payroll, I dont think the magazines existence depends on it.
I would like to think diversity is possible. However, it is just as Sybil says, in order to get hired at any major publication you have to pretty much know someone. Sure, you may be able to get a position answering phones and hope you get on someone's good side, but other than that you do need to know someone or know someone who knows someone. I mean there is always affirmative action as with any business or company but people want to work with people they know or people who are somewhat of a "sure thing" not take a chance on someone who is different than them.
Since the print industry is dying a slow death, I cannot see things changing in regard to racial hiring policies. Marcia Ann Gillespie had the only feasible idea when she stated that black (minority) journalists need to band together. This, however, will only work when the hegemonic journalists in upper management accept it, and not see it as a threat by radical groups to upset the status quo.
ReplyDeleteThe commitment to recruiting, retaining and promoting new African-American journalists seems to be mainly lip service. There is an unspoken racial undertone that creates a glass ceiling, because even when editors are called good, there many are times when it is unwittingly perceived that there is a hereditary inability of people of color to write well. Writing is often seen as a “white talent”.
The Information age is upon us, and the newer field of information technology and Web news and publishing should open doors to minorities that are currently closed in mainstream publications. The major players are upgrading their IT departments, and minorities need to occupy the upper positions now, hiring and promoting people in their group.
The niche magazines and periodicals are but a small breakthrough. It seems they serve only as an outlet from mainstream publications, and are often owned by giants.
I think that the economy has nothing to do with the situation in regards to magazines. People are comfortable in hiring people of a specific race that caters to that race in particular. The book said of the 7,000 magazine editors African Americans make up less than 1 percent. I have hope that this will change only because the younger generation of aspiring journalists are more diverse and will be open to hiring and working with people that are "different" than they are. There is always the problem of the people at the top are going to stay at the top though. Just because the old white men die doesn't mean anything. They probably have been grooming their son, or nephew, or another younger white male that's close to them to take over, who one day will become that "old white man." Change has been needed for a long time, hopefully we can be that change and push the envelope wide open.
ReplyDeleteI think diversity in the magazine world is very possible. I don't think the magazine industry will disappear quickly either. Magazines are used to target very specific audiences. We subscribe to Decibel and Rolling Stone, two music magazines, and Mental Floss, a useless facts magazine. These three publications appeal to my husband and I because we love music and useless information. I think that if a magazine is trying to reach a specific audience they should reach out to members of that audience for content. Although, it is clear that there is a hierarchy in the publishing business. If magazines take on Frank Lalli's, editor of Money, policy then we can achieve diversity in the print world:
ReplyDelete"I decided I wanted a staff that looks like America, which is important for a national magazine. So, I have made it policy here that we don't hire anyone for a job unless we have also interviewed a qualified minority or woman,. All things being equal, I will hire a minority." (pg 158)
I would have to assume that Native Radio in the US has grown since this article was written.
http://www.nativeradio.com/radio.cfm
It's now available on the web. With tribes owning rights to the stations, and funding coming from the government combined with a large listening audience, I think it's a niche that is here to stay. It's all about access, in 2009, access is a lot easier to accomplish.
This question addresses what I'm researching for the final project, which is the relationship between diversity and economics in the media. The situation at magazines will have to improve if they want to stay competitive in a world that is becoming increasingly diverse. There is an economic imperative to stay relevant to readers as the United States becomes more diverse. An article from July 2009 in USA today predicts that the population in the United States will be 50% minority by the year 2042, and unless content is representative of that, it won't be relevant to the audience.
ReplyDeleteThe problem right now is that hiring is frozen for many media outlets, meaning that no one is getting jobs, including minorities. An article published in August 2009 in the Boston Globe points out that it is difficult to employ a diverse staff when thousands of journalists have lost their jobs in the wake of the recession. But, the article notes that minorities make up nearly a third of the population, and that is not reflected in newsroom staffs.
As we've discussed before, more representation will not automatically translate into better news coverage. However, a diverse staff will help facilitate talking across difference. It is not enough to just appear to have a diverse staff. There needs to be awareness from the entire staff in the newsroom in terms of how to provide meaningful coverage.
The article in the book noted that the main issues for Native American radio stations is financing. But there are other issues, including access and openness to hearing a Native language being broadcast. The stations will survive if listeners support them. If the audience does not care about the station, then it doesn't really have an incentive to stay on the air. Economics will determine if radio stations serving a niche market will survive.
I agree with Melissa - that magazines are bias because they are only trying to reach a 'target audience', which is the people that are interested in reading about certain topics. Regardless of the information provided by the writer, their main objective is to sell an appealing article about health, sports, fashion, celebrities or whatever kind of niche that is of popular interest to the readers.
ReplyDeleteAs for my job, I design community newsletters and put together articles of interest for our readers. Trying to find articles that interest everyone are sometimes very tough, especially when the publication we use to get our articles of interest from limits diverse articles. We do make every effort not to bore the reader; for this I can see why there are so many niches in the magazine world.
But until the 'old men that run the show' steps down to let diverse people find news and topics of interest, the magazine show will continue to be bias - because 'they tell us what is news worthy.' Also, hiring certain 'cliches' will continue to threaten diversity. I can only hope that with technology changing and with education progressing that the hiring method will change too.
As for the Native Radio, I think this is a great idea and I can only hope that this radio station will survive, financially. Native Radio will give a voice to people that are often not given the spot light, as well as help promote businesses and messages, directly.
First of all, thank you Gabby and everyone else for quoting me in your blogs. It's such a honor to have gained the respect of my classmates.
ReplyDelete*** ALSO REMEMBER TO SUPPORT THE NNB'S FOOD DRIVE***
Magazines and radio broadcasts are different from any other forms of media because they strive of off their niche. Content is not produced to appeal to various groups of people, just large groups of their own people ( Im not talking race necessarily.
Will print in magazine form die? In my opinion, magazines will die harer and faster than other print forms, such as newspapers, because magazines are made for entertainment, while newspapers are "informative", which makes it a necessity. The economy is forcing print to find ways to survive, and to do so we see paper mergers and other pulling of resources. I think magazines will have a harder time, because audiences of magazines do not cross over as well as newspapers(my opinion). Magazines are created entirely for their niche, and if their niche can not finacially support them, than that's when we see them die. Its hard for magazines to merge in comparison to newspapers. How many people would read a Home and Garden and Sports Illustrated magazine if the two merged.
How does this affect diversity? Well there is already lack of diversity among magazines now. As magazines die and merge, you will see less and less diversity. But I think certain ethnic magazines may survive, if they decide to merge, such as Ebony and JET.
To answer the question will niche formats stay in both magazines and in radio, I believe the ones whoses niche can support them will, but most of them will die. Also the the ones whose niche is the largest and appeals to more audiences will survive. This will make content on radio and in magazines less racial specific in the future.
Why can't I copy and paste from Word into this little box? I don't wanna retype!
ReplyDeleteAha!!! Now it works, once I whine about it. Moving on...
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't see the print media getting better. Sadly, as a journalist, it's disappointing to see the written word not actually put in ink, and so, I don't see any major changes coming in how they are managed.
I'm not familiar specifically with how it really works with determining editors, but I hope it's not the way the NFL handles new coaches. In football, teams are required to interview a minority coach. While I understand the principle of the rule, in my opinion, it's more racist to bring in a token black coach, mark off an interview, and then hire whomever. I really think that rule is ridiculous.
Fairness is ultimately the goal. I think the key is opportunity. I don't think it matters if every magazine has a white editor any more than every football team having a white coach, as long as it was fairly determined that they were the best coach or editor. And that's not to say they're isn't diversity around the man in charge.
I think niche formatting not only will survive, but thrive as technology increases. With everyone now being able to be a pop designer, pop photographer, and now pop broadcaster w/ blogs and podcasts, I think the niche medium is on it's way up.
Diversity is becoming more prevalent and embraced in this generation. The media has evolved die to the pact that viewers are becoming more comfortable with diversity. Although there is still a degree of hegemony in the outlets, the hope prevails that with the turnover of the older while men in power diversity will slowly emerge. Although magazines are not the only form of media, they still serve as a substantial form of consumer material. Magazines are also specifically targeted for ranging niches, such as home and gardening or sports. Although it may be a risk for magazines to diversify their text during this economic depression, they must keep in mind that readers are becoming more diverse as well. If a campaign for change goes belly up then the magazine may suffer a financial loss, but on the contrary if is takes off the magazine can embrace the new generation of readers.
ReplyDeleteAs descried in the article, the Native American radio stations seem to have a positive change and growth pattern. With various forms of funding, and owning the rights to the stations, Native Americans could have a grasp on the potential of this outlet. Ultimately, the economic impact combined with the willingness of the public to listen will determine whether these stations can survive.
http://www.topix.com/editors?node=afam/afam
ReplyDeleteHere is a twitter group "African American Editors." As we have seen with the varied journalists associations, varied groups are able to come together in our technological world and unite to form groups for networking purposes as well as finding people who may have had same or like-life experiences. It is a form of connection, and unity and technology lets us create it. As far as African American editors being hired, I would think that due to the economic background of our society now, race would not be the biggest issue, (I wish it wasn't an issue at all) and that the cost of hiring an employee, no matter who they are, would make the main concern to be a financial choice, as well as qualifications of that candidate.
Here is a link
http://www.kimberlyahines.com/
of an editor who markets herself as an "African American Editor" and tells her possible clients through her website that she strives to perfect the use of dialogue of her language. The use of ain't and points out "consistent weaknesses such as unrealistic or uncharacteristic dialogue, excessive description, inconsistent characterization, ineffective pacing" So, my point being, there is a market out there for African American editors, and you don't have to be from one particular race to strive for editing excellence. There are other cultures out there, and there are professionals who strive to keep that culture's highest reputation possible.
I think it's a matter of geography in both cases.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of diversity in magazine publishing houses may have to deal with the majority of them being located in Manhattan. Skyrocketing rents, feeder schools (NYU, Columbia) that send rich kids to intern there and an inherent hiring bias towards the niche markets they are catering to all make for a difficult climb for minority reporters.
Also, magazine staffs are usually pretty thin compared to newspapers. Do these figures take into account freelance editorial or other work?
It is funny that a hit TV show is about a young Latina making it into the fashion media industry is not criticized or held back for her race or heritage (though it is oft lampooned) but her looks and bad fashion taste. (A particular episode involved a case of reverse racism, in which Betty got a position over the other minority (gay white male) worker because of her Mexican name)
Anyway, I digress. To tie Ugly Betty in with the geography issue, one of her limitations is that she cannot afford to live in Manhattan and has to stay at home in Queens with her family. It's an obstacle that she overcomes but ultimately regresses back to Queens because of her family demands.
The Native American Radio stations are geographically bound as well. The ownership of such stations provides a necessary medium for individuals who may live in very remote places (the southwest, upper midwest) and are not catered to by big city stations.
They can thrive with a little assistance and some public support. With the UN focused heavily on protecting languages from extinction, why don't they become involved with these radio stations who can broadcast solely in their language?
Unfortunately in this economy it's getting harder and harder to hire at all. I don't think this is doing anything progressive for the commitment to diversity. I don't think it's on the top of the priority list for any magazine. Right now I think they're just trying to survive financially. It is probably even more difficult for specific niche radio stations like the Native American ones to survive because, even in the '90s, funding was an issue. I can't imagine it's gotten easier since then. If the radio stations aren't getting federal funding, they rely on fundraising. Realistically, I don't think many people have extra money to give to things like this.
ReplyDeleteIt is a tough predicament for Native American radio. They presently make up just 1% of the population, a majority of which live west of the Mississippi and in Alaska.This has got to be hard sell to advertisers, an audience in which a large part live in rural areas and are inflicted with some of the highest levels of poverty in the nation. But, for most stations, ad revenue makes up a large part of funding.
ReplyDeleteWith the satellite radio stations and the opportunity to create podcasts that are intended for Native American audiences, there could be a future yet. But, these mediums require money from the listener, be it satellite radio subscription or internet service, which doesn't make listening any easier for group of people who face poverty levels upwards to 25%. From a business standpoint, which is what broadcasters are, a business, Native American programing is not very appealing candidate for financial support..
From a cultural standpoint though, it is comparative to the survival of these cultures. Native Americans were nearly wiped out due to western disease and removal from traditional lands. Now the remaining 1% face being wipe out by the acculturation of western culture. Any medium that gives a voice to a minority, in this case Native Americans, needs not only to be preserved but expanded.
Canada, which is nearly 4% aboriginal, took the approach to subsidize their native broadcasting system, something that the U.S. could try. But, until Native American populations rise above their staggering poverty levels, they will continue to struggle in self sustainability.
As for African Americans and other minorities holding positions of distinction in the magazine industry, the percentages derived from some of the employee numbers in the book of minorities on staff at various magazines don't even come close to matching the national percentages of minorities in the U.S. So how could these magazines possible be representative of American diversity? Minorities could take a page out of the gay and lesbian populations book (4.7 & 5.5 in the text) by not supporting magazines and other publications that are not representative of them or the nations population as a whole.
I believe that niche markets for radio will always survive because so many people enjoy varied types of music. For instance, I love rap and country, and switch between the two. However, I would not like a station that played both. Most people probably feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Native American radio thrives because that's what their culture prefers as a news and entertainment source, as opposed to a print media. Radio is also a cheaper method of spreading news than print, and is easier to obtain by a mass amount of people. It's free.
I have no idea why African-American people are under-represented in magazine media and why many are not retained. It must be in the culture of the magazine industry?