The “overwhelming majority” of the press is “white,” according to Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot. Who has decided to grant individual interviews only to black journalists. “It is a pity that in 2021 the press is predominantly white in a city where more than half of the people identify as black, Latina, Asian or Native American, ”tweeted the mayor.
Lightfoot’s choice was made public when the political journalist of WMAQ-TV, Mary Ann Ahern, talked about it on Twitter. «Choosing a reporter based on the color of their skin it’s really outrageousThe reporter said.
Many others criticized the mayor’s decision. Like Gregory Pratt, a reporter for the Chicago Tribune City Hall, who tweeted: “I am a Latin reporter whose interview request has been accepted for today. However, I asked the mayor’s office to lift his terms and, when told no, I respectfully canceled the appointment. Politicians cannot choose who covers them“. Speaking to the Cnn he added: “There are real problems of diversity in the media. It is important that the heads of the newspapers recognize this and work on it. At the same time, it is important that government officials are accessible and answer difficult questions from journalists of all backgrounds.
In a two-page letter sent to local media, Lightfoot said he did everything he could to fight for inclusion during his adult life. Being the mayor of the city, he said, makes it “in a unique position” to put the spotlight on the issue, he said.
To all those who are here to discuss diversity in local media – welcome! The Mayor is highlighting the lack of diversity in the press and chosen—for a single day—to prioritize 1-on-1 invus with media who are people of color.
More here: https://t.co/dUAv5qbLBQ
-Team Lightfoot
— Lori Lightfoot (@LoriLightfoot) May 20, 2021
Since his election, the country he had to face a “historical reckoning on racism systemic, ”added Lightfoot. The mayor also said there are no black female journalists covering the city, but Chicago public radio station Wbez replied that two of its three reporters are Hispanic and South Asian women.
Also there National Association of Black Journalists he said he disagreed with the mayor’s tactic, but acknowledged that his comments put “the spotlight on the demand for greater commitment for diversity, equity and inclusion in the media sector “.
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