The race godz are not happy (they never are) over the Comcast-NBC U merger. Their main argument? There needs to be not just more minority-based programing, but there needs to be more minorities at the switch. The more I read about this battle, the more I am realizing that this has less to do with real world demand and more to do with A) the small group of individuals who would get the most benefit out of such a proposal. B) Web-based content is where its at right now, not special interest television.
Does it really matter to the everyday Black consumer the race of the executive or is that of more value to an organization like the Congressional Black Caucus or National Hispanic Media Coalition? If a television executive is really worth his/her salt, they are going to greenlight programing that is going to A) attract the most viewers and B) attract the most advertising dollars.
Believe it or not, there are many Black people out there who are addicted to shows like Lost, CSI, or even Glee. While there will always be a demand for minority-themed programing, Blacks/Hispanics are just like anyone else when it comes to television: Is the show good enough to keep my attention. What the race gods continue to play down is the simple fact that if the race of the cast or host plays little part in success or failure in our communities, what difference is it going to make to the viewer if the executive or producer in the background happens to be Black or Hispanic?
It doesn’t.
This is all about people like the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Hispanic Media Coalition expanding their little power circle while trying to convince you that you will be rewarded with more Black/Hispanic programing (something that is not a guaranteed sell in our communities).
I completely understand the fact that this whole issue is centered around gaining economic power. But my question is “But for whom?”
Demand-Driven Or Special Interest Driven?
by Duane on June 9th, 2010 at 7:06 amThe race godz are not happy (they never are) over the Comcast-NBC U merger. Their main argument? There needs to be not just more minority-based programing, but there needs to be more minorities at the switch. The more I read about this battle, the more I am realizing that this has less to do with real world demand and more to do with A) the small group of individuals who would get the most benefit out of such a proposal. B) Web-based content is where its at right now, not special interest television.
Does it really matter to the everyday Black consumer the race of the executive or is that of more value to an organization like the Congressional Black Caucus or National Hispanic Media Coalition? If a television executive is really worth his/her salt, they are going to greenlight programing that is going to A) attract the most viewers and B) attract the most advertising dollars.
Believe it or not, there are many Black people out there who are addicted to shows like Lost, CSI, or even Glee. While there will always be a demand for minority-themed programing, Blacks/Hispanics are just like anyone else when it comes to television: Is the show good enough to keep my attention. What the race gods continue to play down is the simple fact that if the race of the cast or host plays little part in success or failure in our communities, what difference is it going to make to the viewer if the executive or producer in the background happens to be Black or Hispanic?
It doesn’t.
This is all about people like the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Hispanic Media Coalition expanding their little power circle while trying to convince you that you will be rewarded with more Black/Hispanic programing (something that is not a guaranteed sell in our communities).
I completely understand the fact that this whole issue is centered around gaining economic power. But my question is “But for whom?”