Pew Reserch: 7 Facts About Black Americans And News Media

This week, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) holds its annual meeting in Miami. The meeting comes amid increased attention to the role of black journalists in the United States and recent changes to black-oriented news media organizations, such as a decision by the Chicago Defender, a black newspaper founded in 1905, to cease printing (though it will remain available online).

Pew Research Center has studied black Americans’ attitudes toward the news media – as well as their news consumption habits – for years. We have also examined minority representation within U.S. newsrooms.

To coincide with the NABJ conference, Pew came up with seven key facts about black Americans and the news media:

• Black adults stand out for their trust in local news organizations.
• Black adults are more likely to feel connected to their main source of news. 
• The news media’s watchdog role is seen as more of a necessary check among black adults than among whites.
• Black Americans are less concerned about made-up news than other national issues.
• Black Americans prefer getting their news from TV
• Black newspapers are small, community-oriented publications.
• Black Americans tend to be underrepresented in U.S. newsrooms.