Obama Will Face Few Black White House Reporters

Eight days before Barack Obama is sworn in, the relative paucity of black journalists at the White House is striking. A mostly white press corps at 1600 Pennsylvania would be cause for concern no matter what the color of the Oval Office occupant. But the advent of the Obama administration seems to underscore that racial progress has been uneven in a business that chronicles that very subject.

While there are some exceptions, most major news outlets that regularly chronicle the White House do not have a minority reporter on this, Washington's most visible beat.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[sonoffestus]

WTF!.........................would it be too much to ask for some GOOD reporters and Journalists?

Racism is alive and well in America. White or Black reporters will not make a difference. Maybe if we had GOOD Rs & Js issues could be addressed rather than the crap that is spoon fed to America.

Al Jazeera, BBC, CBC, Christian Science Monitor, PBS are some sources I find worth watching or listening to. For comic relief or if I have an intense urge to throw a shoe, I watch any of the MSM in the States. Fox never, IEDs are not allowed in our building.

[ACMallet]

Racism by members of the media is OK because they're liberal and are morally superior than the rest of us, so the criticism is not justified.

If you REALLY want to see a white crowd, take a look at the audience at the upcoming Oscars. And of course, that won't be seen as racism either.

[dct1999]

Take a look at a McCain Palin rally, if you want to see examples of obvious, blatant racism.

If you don't think that non-white people have been talking about the lack of diversity in the media and Hollywood then you are seriously underinformed.

[ACMallet]

As I said, just look at the audience of the Academy Awards which are staged by the rich Hollywood elites. You won't ever see a whiter crowd.

[lovethehuff]

The only qualifications I want the White House press to have is accountability. I don't care if they're black, white, purple, yellow and pink polka dotted or whatever. Hell, if there was a parrot that could ask tough questions and keep the Pres and his administration accountable, they'd have my vote.

Also, all of a sudden we have a black President so we need to insert a "quota" of black reporters to make sure he's covering black issues? Just in case you weren't around, say, for the last year and a half, Obama didn't run as the black candidate who was interested in only the black issues. He ran as the AMERICAN we all needed, as the AMERICAN we could trust to help us out the problems we faced as AMERICANS. Granted, I believe O is concerned about black America but, thankfully, his focus and vision is not so small to pigeonhole them as people whose issues and concerns exist, and need to be addressed, separately from the problems we as Americans face as a whole. Black Americans are Americans and as such, our problems are Americans problems, regardless of whether they affect the majority of American citizens or not.

Shame on you, Washington Post.

[dct1999]

The MSM's lack of diversity is not an "all of a sudden" issue. African Americans, Latinos, and Asians have been discussing it and attempting to do something about it for years.

[SeanGardner]

"...all of a sudden we have a black President so we need to insert a "quota" of black reporters..."

This is an absolutely dumb remark. And bigoted. Howard Kurtz never said anything about a quota, which is a specific number. Where in the article did it say that? You are very clearly recycling old talking points from the late 70s, 80s, and 90s with respect to diversity. And its compltely unnecessary, and, dare I say, racially irresponsible.

I wonder what you response would have been if Obama nominated a cabinet that was 99% Asian-American, African-American, and Latino, with only say, two whites, or mayne one white person. What would your response be then? I wonder what you would have to say about that. Would you automatically assume that the non-whites were "promoted" over whites who have more "accountability"?

Obama's rainbow Cabinet and White House Staff proves that there is no contradiction with diversity/outreach and performance/accountability. People who don't want a diversified workforce create a fake controversy about "accountability" and throw in an invisible issue called "quotas". It's time for you to take your "quota" blinders off and examine the hiring practices of the president-elect you claim to respect and like.

If Obama is deliberately hiring 9000 employees who come with skills and "accountability", and visually represent this country's make-up, why can't the news agencies who report on it? Answer that.

[SeanGardner]

Obama understands America's diversity better than the print and braodcast who report on it? Say it ain't so?

The scope and depth of Obama's 9000 hires will embrace the beauty and scope of this country's diversity. He has assembled a cosmopolitan group of people that will advance, improve, and transform the lives of our country, while "visually reflecting" this country. So if Obama's Cabinet and White House Staff can show that diversity and performance don't have to be diametrically opposed points, why hasn't the media gotten the memo? I think they've gotten the memo, but don't want to act on it.

And this does matter. Because if you have a Black reporter, or Latino reporter, or an Asian-American reporter of an Arab-American reporter, there are race- or ethnic-specific questions you're likely ask that white reporters would not. Yes, there are general topics that ALL Americans care about, but, just to be clear, there are topics and issues consistent with Latino concerns a president needs to address, and address in front of the nation. The same can be said for female reporters being represented right? Female reporters are likely to ask about things involving reproductive rights and family.

So let's not pretend that a diversified White House pool doesn't count, because it does. In a country becoming more and more racially and ethnically diverse EVERYDAY, it matters. That's what the article above is about.

[plymkr]

Obama would also be facing an all white Senate if Senator Burris is not seated.

I am more worried about an all white Senate than I am about the press corps.

The press has generally been pretty good to President Elect Obama, besides I disagree that they are all white.

[CaliTLC]

Is the absence of black journalists in the White House press corps REALLY just now being noticed?

[SouthPrairie]

WHY?

[SouthPrairie]

Well, at least Joe the Plummer and the former male prostitute, Jeff Gannon, are not in there.

[tel8034]

Few black WH reporters? ......................... But during the election season the media surely found more than enough black pudits who were willing to bash and villify Obama........................ Where are they now?

[CaliTLC]

Look for them again in 2012.

[dct1999]

They'll be back on January 20, 2009.

[Adrienne Williams - Huffpost Blogger]

Let's just cut the world in half. White/black, oh wait, there are more then these groups on the planet.... can we move on from this please? Yes, we know of the injustice of bias in every form of business. (Believe me, I'm in comuters, so I understand) But we still need to view that we are not the only group out there that are not being represented. Just because we now have Obama as President doesn't mean the whole core of reporters will just turn black.

[Paparaze]

This Howard Kurtz wanted to sow discord and he has succeeded. I cringe at the media which pits blacks against whites, even after 400 yrs together we are still suspicious of each other?

[mlr710]

I think the 400 years might be WHY.

[dct1999]

No we can't move on from the issue of a serious lack of diversity in the media. You've written one of the stupidest posts on this thread.

[robXdion]

She has a habit of doing that. One of the younger sheltered blacks with no understanding of the connection between the cause and effect of black portrayals in the news. They cry about bringing this stuff up because it's uncomfortable, but then they'll be on the next thread about "Why aren't black women______" posting angry mocking messages.

[Deaninphilly]

No matter how true your statement it goes unheard. Good try though.

[robXdion]

And no matter how much you pat yourself on the back, you obviously don't understand the situation. If we need to "move on" and "race doesn't matter" then why not hire more blacks, latinos, asians, etc??? The whines of "let's move on!!" are just avoidance of the real issues. And no one is asking all the reporters be black. That's a juvenile statement from a shallow mind.

[Takae]

Agreed.

[lovethehuff]

I completely agree. All of a sudden because O is a black Pres, everything in this country needs to turn a darker shade of brown? Give me a break.

[robXdion]

You and Adrienne need to get a grip. No one is saying the whole country needs to turn a darker shade of brown. You can both relax, OK? The blacks don't want to take over. They just want to be represented in the media more and in better ways than they are now.

[rainbowblue]

Does the race of the reporter really matter? Afterall, they all pretty much answer to the same corporate media owner. They may want to ask the questions, but I'm guessing what the owners want reported will be regulated.

[gladys46]

Well, if the race of the reporter didn't matter why all white reporters !?? There's a very bright, handsome 10 year old, Damon Weaver, he was interviewed on MSNBC not long ago, he's a kid .. a reporter in the making ... his desires were to interview P.E.Obama ... his wishes have come true ... he reportedly has been given his press credentials and will go to the Inauguration and do just that he hopes ... interview the president ! Perhaps we should wait until he is of age before there's a white house AA reporter ... will that be time enough !??

Enough !!!

[Dovescorner]

Let's not get into small politics. This is a topic that is being discussed and with attention given. We need to support this president and not let the little things divide us. Let the repubs do that. Both you guys are right and the issue is being address.

[lmvd3]

Yes, it does matter! If the White House beat is the top echelon in reporting, than why only white people? To answer: The door to the top job is closed to people of color. This is wrong and needs to be addressed.

[unite4change]

Yes, race does matter. We are truly in need of diversity in our media. Different cultures have different experiences and prospectives. Our current media is too homogenized and one sided.

[jcollell]

The White House Press Corp has always been predominantly white. I don't think that we should expect this to change any time soon, just because we have a black president being sworn in. But I agree that it would be a welcome change to see more diversity and different points of view.

http://www.youspar.com/

[gladys46]

Yes it has "always" been predominantly white ! I do expect that to change real soon !

[Deaninphilly]

Why? Are you saying white reporters can't cover a black President? Then if that is the case then the same would hold true for the reverse as the black reporter could not cover a white President.

How about just letting the company hire and put in place who is best for the position instead of making sure they have enough of each skin tone and type.

[Big0725]

OK. What is the black reporter quota at the White House?

[Tanyars5]

more than zero

[Big0725]

That's not an answer. That's a cop out!

[Paparaze]

Blacks finally have a place in the sun. They have been subjugated far too long.

[robXdion]

Yes, and a lot of people secretly resent that they have a little light . . . . . .under the sun, under the sun!!!

[Tanyars5]

Ok so who just figured out that there are not many African American reporters....the same person who wanted to know why there were not more African American Senators?????
The next four years are going to be a trip for the average black person.......big sigh

[dct1999]

Say word. It's going to get real interesting.

[Tanyars5]

hey dct.....what the next question that will be asked?

[Whatashame]

Look people. Racism will always exist because parents will teach their children to hate. Racism is something that is taught. It's a learn behaviour, isn't it?

[DACC]

In my childhood home it was but I rejected it's theories from the onset. When I raised my son I taught the exact opposite and now as an adult he sees no color

[AliMB]

Ms. DACC, sorry for replying on this thread, but I wanted to make sure you read this post and thus I went to your last comment... after reading your previous responses to me, I have to say I'm a little bit uncomfortable with your discourse; you seem to infuse your posts with such disdain that it’s rather uninviting to even reply. I understand you are passionate about your views, but with all respect I think your analyses of my comments are incorrect. I never used “vitriol” in response to your posts nor do I feel I am pretentious, and if that is your perception let me be clear that it was not my intent and I offer my apologies for the confusion. Regarding my use of the French phrase vis-à-vis: I do indeed frequently use it posts (unconsciously I might add!), but that is because I find it to be an efficacious phrase to use especially when offering comments in relation to other posts.

[AliMB]

continued... Now, you may think my comments/opinions are “intellectually absent” and “concept desertedness”, that is certainly your right; but if you want to have an exchange of ideas and viewpoints, then please save the ad hominem critiques because frankly it is not conducive to an honest discussion (if that is indeed your desire). You previously posted that you did not want me to respond anymore to your comments, and maybe you still feel that way, in which case rest assured that I will honor that request. But frankly I enjoy the exchange of ideas (which I think is the point of a political website), and I am very interested to hear your viewpoints; and that is not a disingenuous remark! The only thing I ask for is respect and cordial discourse focused on posted comments, which I feel is E S P E C I A L L Y important when communicating with someone who you strongly disagree with (something that I feel has helped me in my personal experiences). I hope we can agree to this.

[AliMB]

Ms. DACC, sorry for replying on this thread but I wanted to make sure you read this post so I found your last comment… after reading your previous responses to me, I have to say I'm a little bit uncomfortable with your discourse; you seem to infuse your posts with such d i s d a i n that it's rather uninviting to even reply. I understand you are passionate about your views, but with all respect I think your analyses of my comments are incorrect. I never used “v i t r i o l” in response to your posts nor do I feel I am pretentious, and if that is your perception let me be clear that it was not my intent and I offer my apologies for the confusion. Regarding my use of the French phrase vis-à-vis: I do indeed frequently use it posts (unconsciously I might add!), but that is because I find it to be an efficacious phrase to use especially when offering comments in relation to other posts.

[aweissnet]

Same here. Neither of my children see it. I have a blue-eyed blond-haired beautiful young daughter who was dating a young man she worked with--of color. She heard nothing from her peers about it, but interestingly, when I mentioned it to a few friends of my own age, I got criticism, that she would be looked down upon.

[lmvd3]

Yes. Racism is learned from our parents, community, and peers. Racism can be rejected and often is, through education and getting to know people of various backgrounds and different shades. Most of us have biases, but as long as we all acknowledge them, and work on them, the world will become a much less hostile place.