A free Black History Month Webinar on February 23rd

(Black PR Wire) Miami, FL – Ever wonder why Black Media is so important? Black media plays a critical role in reaching and activating Black audiences. It creates a space where the Black community can have a voice and speak for themselves about issues of importance and combat the stereotypes that harm them. Black media covers the issues affecting the Black community earlier and in-depth, with more Black voices than their mainstream counterparts.*   

On February 23, 2023 at 12:00 PM (PT)/3:00 PM (ET), Business Wire and Black PR Wire will present the State of Black Media Webinar featuring media experts and professionals from around the nation. Panelists will share powerful insights and meaningful information on the role of Black media in our society.    

This expert panel will discuss:

• Changes in publishing and news consumption
• Post-pandemic publishing for Black media.
• Black Media challenges and opportunities
• Best practices to build relationships with Black media
• Turning Black History Month PR outreach into a yearlong program

Panelists for this dynamic event include:

Bernadette Morris

CEO and Founder, Black PR Wire/Sonshine Communications

Bernadette Morris is a dedicated community leader and successful business owner/executive. Bernadette owns three companies: Sonshine Communications, founded in 1993; Black PR Wire, Inc., founded in 2000; and Women Grow Strong, founded in 2007. Black PR Wire is an online newswire distribution company providing key news and information to Black media in the U.S. and the Caribbean 24/7.

Cheryl Thompson-Morton

Black Media Initiative Director, Center for Community Media/CCM Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY

In her role as Black Media Initiative Director for the Center for Community Media at the Newmark J-School, Cheryl Thompson-Morton works to support Black media outlets through training, research, convenings, and connecting them to financial resources.

Rahman Johnson

Professor of Journalism and Communications, Edward Waters University; National Anchor, iHeartMedia

Rahman Johnson serves as a Professor of Journalism and Communications at Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was named Professor of the Year. Most recently, Rahman published the poetry collection Living, Loving, Letting Go, which was honored as Book of the Year by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

Dr. Frances Draper

CEO, Afro-American Newspapers

Dr. Frances "Toni" Draper is the CEO of the AFRO American Newspapers, founded by her great-grandfather in 1892. Draper earned a B.A. in Spanish education from Morgan State University, holds master’s degrees in education, business administration and pastoral counseling, and a doctorate degree in ministry. A community leader, she is focused on giving back and continuously learning.

The session will be moderated by Traci Cloyd

South Florida PBS

Traci is both a ‘personality’ and a journalist. She is known for her approach to news, unique “voice,” attention to accuracy, grammar and her and ability to tell a good story. The Miami Herald describes her as “a smart, pretty, high-energy news writer and anchor.” The Miami New Times says, “she’s a very stunning and totally hilarious radio personality.”

Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Investor relations, public relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX Network. Business Wire has 18 newsrooms worldwide to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media.

Black PR Wire delivers its clients’ press releases, video and audio news releases and newsletters to key reporters, writers and influential grassroots, social and civic community leaders throughout the country. Black PR Wire also provides specialized services, including direct media calls and product placement pitching, as well as audio, video and e-newsletter development and distribution. The company’s service center has compiled and owns a comprehensive and continuously updated database of Black media and organizations throughout the country and the Caribbean, and has direct contacts with hundreds of Black and minority media outlets, community, social and civic groups and affiliates nationwide. The company’s database holds a comprehensive listing of over 1,200 Black-owned publications and media and includes a comprehensive listing of key Black journalists throughout the United States and the Caribbean.

Black PR Wire delivers to the very core and pulse of the Black community. It is dedicated to providing service that is second to none with its state-of-the-art wire transmission process and technology, its experienced media planners and its commitment to quality, substance and style that guides every component of its client service philosophy.

The Webinar is free and open to the public. For more information on Black PR Wire and to register for “The State of the Black Media” Webinar, visit https://services.businesswire.com/resources-education/state-of-black-media-2023 or call 877-BLACKPR.

*Why Black Media Matters Now, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York

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