Media Reparations

Question and Answers

Q:
What is a media system?
A: We use this term in reference to print, radio, television and online outlets that provide the majority of mass communication and information to the U.S. public. This white-controlled system is defined by policies that determine who owns the media infrastructure, philanthropy and narrative practices that uphold a white-racial hierarchy.
Q:
What are reparations?
A: The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America defines reparations as “A process of repairing, healing and restoring a people injured because of their group identity and in violation of their fundamental human rights by governments, corporations, institutions and families. Those groups that have been injured have the right to obtain from the government, corporation, institution or family responsible for the injuries that which is needed to repair and heal themselves. In addition to being a demand for justice, it is a principle of international human rights law.” Reparations policy and practice should include acknowledgement, accountability, reckoning and redress.
Q:
Why is this a racial justice issue?
A: The U.S. media system has inflicted harm on Black people for centuries. It’s crucial to tell this story and fight for the repair and reconciliation necessary to build strong, free, just communities. There is no just society without Black liberation.