The Final Call

Top Black media outlets meet up at NABJ convention

By FinalCall.com News | Last updated: Sep 16, 2013 - 5:52:25 PM

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Richard B. Muhammad, Editor-In-Chief, Final Call newspaper, veteran broadcaster Tene’ Croom of Tene’ Croom Communications, Mitzi Miller, Editor-In-Chief, Jet magazine, Reggie Thomas, Director of Advertising, NAACP Crisis Magazine and Johann Calhoun, News Editor/Metro Recruiter for the Philadelphia Tribune, at panel discussion in Orlando.

ORLANDO - Executives from leading African American media outlets were well received at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) summer convention in Florida, when they spoke to scores of people attending a workshop entitled “Meet the Black Press: Pathways for Survival in the Industry.”

Veteran broadcaster Tene’ Croom, president, Tene’ Croom Communications, served as moderator of the discussion with a distinguished panel comprised of Mitzi Miller, editor-in-chief, Jet magazine; Richard B. Muhammad, editor-in-chief, Final Call Newspaper; Reggie Thomas, director of advertising, NAACP Crisis Magazine and Johann Calhoun, news editor/metro recruiter for the Philadelphia Tribune.

A lively and informative conversation was held on a variety of topics—ranging from how Black newspapers must be more digital and social media savvy to the fact that Black media outlets are a good starting place for college graduates and the place where many long-time broadcasters land after leaving mainstream media.

“I am honored to have been involved in such an important workshop. I shudder at a recent headline of an article on one online news site—‘Black media outlets still relevant?’ I know the answer is a resounding yes. African American media outlets have always been and will continue to be an integral part of providing needed information in this country,” said Ms. Croom, co-chair of the NABJ Black Press Task Force.

Before the workshop the NABJ Black Press Task Force held a “Mix and Mingle” with Cloves Campbell, National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) board chairman and incoming NABJ President Bob Butler as guest speakers. Refreshments were provided by The Final Call newspaper. Nisa Islam Muhammad, Final Call staffer and longtime NABJ member helped organize the panel and recommended that The Final Call editor participate.

Collaboration was one theme during the session and during the recent March On Washington 50th anniversary, The Final Call shared photos and content with Jet and the NNPA Newswire.