How Bright is the Future for Blacks in Journalism? Dimming More Each Day, Experts Suggest

Michael H. Cottman, BlackAmericaWeb.com

- Black journalists said Tuesday they are concerned about the next generation of black writers and editors in mainstream media who will likely face layoffs in their newsrooms, significant job cuts, expanded workloads and tough economic times.

Larry Bivins, Washington editor for Gannett News Service, said he would have a difficult time encouraging high school or college students to pursue print journalism.

“With all the downsizing that’s going on, it would seem almost cruel to promote a career in our industry,” Bivins, a veteran journalist, told BlackAmericaWeb.com. “If newspapers are cutting back, then they aren’t hiring. So what does that say about the future for blacks and diversity? Not a lot that’s good when you consider that traditionally we are the last hired” and sometimes the first fired.

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