We Miss you Ed Bradley... It's Time for CBS to Step Up and Diversify 60 Minutes Correspondents

I've grown up with 60 Minutes and continue to enjoy and anticipate each new episode. In this world overrun by reality programming -- more appropriately described as general foolishness -- intelligent journalism addressing provocative issues is very much appreciated but apparently a dying art form. Unfortunately, I have a serious problem with the show that I respect so much.

Since the untimely death of Ed Bradley in November of 2006, CBS has been either unwilling or unable to secure another regular correspondent of African American descent. Every week as I faithfully tune in, I listen to the upcoming features and view the familiar roster of correspondents. Over and over they introduce themselves with the refrain "I'm ..." For two and a half years I have patiently waited for another African American person to be elevated to the pantheon of intelligent television journalism. Week after week and month after painful month, I anxiously watch in hopes of seeing a shining new face.

How can CBS not appreciate the importance of diversity? To watch a roster of entirely white men and women is more than a bit difficult for me to reconcile in 2009. More accurately, it stings. I find myself asking, 'why this obvious lack of representation?' ... instead of fully enjoying the subject matter at hand.

Ed Bradley was an icon in the Black community. His intelligence, eloquence, deportment and cool were a beacon of hope for many people. When Black men were far more likely to be depicted on television as pimps, drug dealers, thugs and ne'er-do-wells in general, Ed Bradley was more than a role model for young men like me. He was a hero.

Ed Bradley asked questions and engaged subject matter that was meaningful to the minority community. But more importantly he did it in the majority world. He was not the correspondent that merely covered Black issues. Ed Bradley probed powerful and relevant people, mostly white, in a manner that was virtually never displayed then and rarely seen now. The recurring images of an intelligent and articulate black man engaged in meaningful discussion with figures of national and often international importance were more than inspirational. They were educational.

His well televised presence inspired Black America to believe in the potential reality of equality, while simultaneously educating White America to the promise of opportunity. Ed Bradley was allowed access to the living rooms of America that until then had been mostly off limits. He did not protest nor picket. He quietly excelled and gained entrance with ability and dignity.

Why is the message any less relevant today? Why hasn't CBS secured one of the many qualified Black and Hispanic journalists to represent a more culturally diverse America? Or better yet, why have they chosen not to?

Children need the inspiration and America needs the continuing education.

Comments

[Deggans]

Byron Pitts, who is African American, was named a contributing correspondent to 60 Minutes in January.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/13/60minutes/main4718840.shtml

[mad tn dem]

I agree totally...­.but something that has been growing in my thoughts about 60 mins, and especially after last night's episode is, just how opening republican leaning the correspondents are...espe­cially leslie stahl and steve croft....k­atie is just lost, not a good interviewer period. I cringed when she interviewed the edwards; she was ghoulish..­.when stahl interviewed scalia, she gushed and flirted to the point I thought they should just get a room. The difference between the obama and cain interviews done by croft was openly biased and cain was just adored...n­o hard questions. I'm beginning to think there should be mandatory retirement for politicians and journalist­s/pundits.­..their age is a real factor in their thinking process and skills...n­uff said.

[Jewel17]

Dr. Benjamin thank you for your article. I echo your sentiments as 60 Minutes is still one of my favorite programs in which I feel the void left by Ed Bradley's passing. All of the program's correspondents have their own unique way of presenting news stories, which I truly appreciate. However, I have often wondered when another African American that is or has the potential to become the caliber of Ed Bradley, would become a permanent fixture on the show.