Alfred Edmond Jr. discusses the importance of supporting black media in a video chat.

As the news of former NFL player and sports correspondent Ryan Clark's controversial departure from ESPN spreads like wildfire on social media, BLACK ENTERPRISE's Chief Content Officer and EVP, Alfred Edmond Jr., enters the conversation. A thought-provoking discussion about the formation of Black media conglomerates has surfaced, with the belief that if Black media personalities and companies join forces, the Black media landscape could become a powerful force, rendering white media irrelevant. These conversations, which have been circulating on Instagram Threads, reveal a lack of understanding about how mass media operates and where its funding comes from.

It's not surprising that Black media outlets and professionals face a tougher battle when it comes to achieving success and sustainability in the media world, especially when compared to their white counterparts. In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, there has been an increase in advertising spending with Black media. However, the total percentage of ad dollars allocated, a mere 1.6%, is disheartening.

In the following video, Edmond shares his perspective on what Black solidarity in the industry could look like and provides an insider's education on the inner workings of the media. This serves as a reminder of how Black media was born and the challenges it continues to face.