Why Is the News About Black People So Negative?

Racist stereotypes persist in media portrayals of Black folks. How does this impact their mental health and view of media?

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Nappy // Pexels

By Anissa Durham, Word in Black 

It all starts in the newsroom. Who’s in the room will dictate how a story is being told.

In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 63% of adults say news about Black folks is more negative than news about other racial and ethnic groups. And 43% say news coverage typically stereotypes African Americans.

Jerry McCormick, adjunct professor of journalism at San Diego State University, says he’s not surprised. As a longtime journalist, he says poor pay and a lack of diversity are two main issues that plague American newsrooms today.

The unsustainability of this industry has pushed out many aspiring Black journalists. The average salary, depending on the state, ranges from $39,000 to $59,000.