Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: 1,633 new confirmed and probable cases; 28 additional deaths; 1,518 hospitalized; 405 in ICU; 2.3 percent average case positivity rate; 2.7 percent average test positivity rate; 62,884 average daily doses
Next Post: Latino Legislative Caucus issues statement supporting fully elected school board, takes swipe at mayor for “pitting families against each other”
Posted in:
* NRCC…
Hey there,
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she will no longer grant interviews to reporters who are not “black or brown journalists.”
Where do Chicago-area Democrats Sean Casten and Lauren Underwood stand on this blatantly racist policy?
Mike Berg
NRCC
Deputy Communications Director
Um, no.
* Fox News…
Reporters out of Chicago are alleging that Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot is now granting interviews only to journalists of color.
No.
* Locally…
I'm afraid I take a different view. I am not disputing the point that "Politicians don't get to choose who covers them" & I support Greg. But, I think the Mayor's gesture is doing exactly what it was designed to do. It's sparking a needed discussion on Diversity among the Media.
— Craig Dellimore (@CraigDellimore) May 19, 2021
Craig is right. Besides, politicians grant limited access or exclusive interviews all the time. The Tribune surely knows this.
* This decision applies only to interviews about the second anniversary of her swearing-in. It is not some blanket policy. From the mayor’s Twitter account…
I ran to break up the status quo that was failing so many. That isn’t just in City Hall.
It’s a shame that in 2021, the City Hall press corps is overwhelmingly White in a city where more than half of the city identifies as Black, Latino, AAPI or Native American.
Diversity and inclusion is imperative across all institutions including media. In order to progress we must change.
This is exactly why I’m being intentional about prioritizing media requests from POC reporters on the occasion of the two-year anniversary of my inauguration as mayor of this great city.
This is an imbalance that needs to change. Chicago is a world-class city. Our local media should reflect the multiple cultures that comprise it.
We must be intentional about doing better. I believed that when running for office. I stand on this belief now. It’s time for the newsrooms to do better and build teams that reflect the make-up of our city.
Again, politicians routinely grant exclusive interviews, but it’s almost always the white reporters who benefit simply because we’re the majority.
…Adding… Fairly certain the answer to this is ‘No.’ That’s not the point at all…
NBC anchor Mary Ann Ahern: 'Does [Mayor Lightfoot] think I'm racist? Is that what she's saying?' https://t.co/gmfDdLYokv
— WGN Radio News (@WGNRadioNews) May 19, 2021
But, once again, a clumsy, ham-handed rollout of something that could’ve actually gotten the mayor some good press is botched.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:15 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: 1,633 new confirmed and probable cases; 28 additional deaths; 1,518 hospitalized; 405 in ICU; 2.3 percent average case positivity rate; 2.7 percent average test positivity rate; 62,884 average daily doses
Next Post: Latino Legislative Caucus issues statement supporting fully elected school board, takes swipe at mayor for “pitting families against each other”
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
If her actions over the past two years hadn’t exposed the “reformer” image she ran on as a sham, and if she hadn’t spent the last year shunning local outlets while granting blocks of time to the national ones to play softball toss, perhaps Mayor Lightfoot would be afforded a bit more slack on this.
Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:19 pm
===perhaps Mayor Lightfoot would be afforded a bit more slack on this===
LOLOL
C’mon. She does press conferences almost every day in the city. Most of the reporters who attend are white.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:21 pm
Pols can’t “pick the reporters who cover them”
Not by race, or affiliations, and if Lightfoot wanted to “do the rounds” with papers/websites/etc that have people of color doing the asking, “ok”… but this type of ridiculous and truly ignorant idea that only persons of color will be granted… will be granted… the “two year, halfway” interview… and the outlets must comply with Lightfoot as to “who” can do the asking…
Nope. Sorry. No way.
Such a lacking… to understand how Lightfoot wants perception… and how her decisions are taken.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:27 pm
===Pols can’t “pick the reporters who cover them”===
They do it every single day. And it’s usually the white reporters who get chosen.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:31 pm
I don’t know…I feel like I constantly hear from Chicago reporters (including reporters of color) about how the Mayor’s office is either ignoring them or blowing up on them during press conferences.
I don’t think one symbolic act two years in accomplishes anything…
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:35 pm
Probably something better to *do* rather than *announce* per say….
Comment by Nick Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:36 pm
Well, at least they are not hammering her on the elected school board issue.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:36 pm
=== don’t think one symbolic act two years in accomplishes anything…===
Maybe, and it was her usually ham-handed self, but people should discuss this.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:37 pm
A complete overreaction. I fear Lightfoot is in the point of her term that no good deed goes unpunished.
This is her attempt at using her platform to push the issue of inclusion in journalism. The white journalists can get every other interview like they always do, except this one. Big deal. She’s not excluding outlets. This is a nice, symbolic gesture to bring awareness to an issue that is long overdue for addressing.
As a reminder, there’s no such thing as reverse racism
Comment by SaveJournalism Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:38 pm
=== They do it every single day. And it’s usually the white reporters who get chosen.===
I’m coming at this with beat reporters, and as you pointed out, yeah, a majority are white, and have had the beat for a significant amount of time.
I guess I’m looking at the beat reporters versus the intention of the mayor to have reflection be upon Illinois media.
Pols have favorite reporters, outlets, they can choose and do choose access, and that access can be different depending on the outlet or reporter.
I guess my lone example as to why I took my own take was… Amy Jacobson, who claims to be a reporter, and trying to deny her didn’t work out great.
I understand the mayor’s intent, the execution to spotlight it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:41 pm
===but it’s almost always the white reporters who benefit simply because we’re the majority.===
Or could it have more to do with their experience, credibility, audience, renown, or something else not associated with race?
Comment by Anon Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:43 pm
Isn’t she perpetuating what she wants to be changed by exclusion? It’s not white media types fault for enjoying and being part of the field–regardless if it’s only to discuss her 2nd anniversary.
Regardless what is going to discuss? Where are bullet points (of achievements) like her predecessor famously had after his 100 days in office? Where is her grand vision for her city? Agenda? It’s a weak record as the leader of the 5th largest city in the U.S.
Comment by Pizza Man Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:43 pm
===Isn’t she perpetuating what she wants to be changed by exclusion?===
Huh?
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:46 pm
=== Or could it have more to do with their experience, credibility, audience, renown, or something else not associated with race?===
Lightfoot, by choosing as she is… is offering experience, credibility, audience and maybe renown if it’s insightful.
This I get, my take was towards the dismissing of beat reporters who may also not fit whom Lightfoot wants highlighted.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:46 pm
You guys remind me of a discussion I had with my brother when Emmanuel announced he wouldn’t run again. My brother whined about how awful it was we’d have to go through the whole process of picking a new mayor. I reminded him as a resident of Oak Park, he didn’t really get a vote.
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:47 pm
Mayor Lightfoot could easily do this and accomplish what she wants without being so blatant. Absolutely find time on her calendar to grant one-on-ones to the reporters who are POC -and tell the white reporters sorry, she is “too busy” right now.
But this appraoch is truly hamhanded and tone-deaf.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:48 pm
Lololol Cheryl44. That’s my new favorite Oak Park anecdote. Cheers.
Comment by ChicagoBars Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:59 pm
I think it would have been much cooler if she had simply granted access only to reporters of color without showboating about it first. This way, it sounds like she’s doing these Black and Brown reporters a favor.
Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 12:59 pm
Gets a shrug from me. There is not a single doubt in my head that’s she’s doing this mostly for good PR, but I don’t think shutting out some reporters for one event is going to ruin anyone’s life.
Comment by Perrid Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:00 pm
There is so much to hammer LL about, why make things up?
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:02 pm
I normally agree with Rich, but this is just wrong
Comment by Central Ill Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:03 pm
Whatever her intentions, this has garnered Mayor Lightfoot more questionable national exposure ala the “I needed a haircut because I represent Chicago” during the height of the lockdown.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:03 pm
Bungling and Bellicose: The Lori Lightfoot Story
Even when (if?) she’s trying to do the right thing, Mayor Lightfoot creates new and unnecessary conflicts by doing it in the most hardheaded and hamfisted manner possible.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:08 pm
I’m indifferent that she wants to have more interviews with journalists of color. I just hope she has that same energy with hiring more consultants of color.
Comment by It is what it is Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:12 pm
So if the mayor demands more journalists of color cover or interview her in the future, how do the newsrooms handle this that are unionized and probably make such assignments based on seniority?
Sometimes worthy goals get tied up in knots when implementation is attempted.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:15 pm
Shunning people for reasons of race is never correct.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:17 pm
This is another PR stunt that will ultimately backfire. If she put as much effort into seriously solving the many problems that the city has she might actually have a better shot at winning reelection. Otherwise I don’t see too many more anniversary interviews on the horizon for her to pontificate about.
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:28 pm
=I think it would have been much cooler if she had simply granted access only to reporters of color without showboating about it first=
Agreed, better to lead by example rather than edict.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:28 pm
I am not surprised that a reporter working for the Tribune would mount a protest as a show of solidarity with the oppressor. He’ll be the toast of the country club where he is still mistaken as a caddy.
On a serious note, it’s an interesting political decision to make the announcement. It begs the question as to why there is a lack of diversity in the press corps and I think any journalist should think better before complaining about being having their media requests met with a lower priority about a single topic due to their ethnic back ground. I don’t think our community is ready to welcome a white journalist trying to elevate their temporary disadvantage on priority of their media requests to the experiences of people of color in our nation over the last century.
It is, however, a great opportunity for a journalist to talk about how the announcement made them realize something about themselves, and about how awful systemic racism is and about how they have benefited from a privileged they’ve never really thought about.
You want a good story? Take that ball and run with it. You want a lot of retweets from people that are trying to make it harder for people of color to vote? Tweet about canceling your interview.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:29 pm
I actually sort of agree with an earlier comment that she might be in a ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ zone even if she mostly just seems to go from one botched thing to the next.
Though still, thinking on it, I feel like it would have been better to just do the interviews? And then after the fact highlight that you’ve chosen to highlight local jouranlists of color?
Comment by Nick Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:34 pm
=Or could it have more to do with their experience, credibility, audience, renown, or something else not associated with race?=
Umm, POCs did not have the same opportunities to break into the field 15-20-25 years ago as a white reporter. So, POCs never got the chance to build up experience, credibility, or renown.
Of course, this is due to race. If a podunk station or newspaper in Illinois had the choice 20 years ago to hire a recent black journalist graduate or a recent white journalist graduate, they would hire the white. Podunk stations/newspapers are where reporters get their start and gain the experience.
Comment by Steve Rogers Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:37 pm
==Even when (if?) she’s trying to do the right thing, Mayor Lightfoot creates new and unnecessary conflicts by doing it in the most hardheaded and hamfisted manner possible.==
If this whole mayor thing gets to be a bit much, she should apply to be manager of the White Sox.
Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:38 pm
As the Mayor stated, I do agree that one should be intentional about doing better. Taking this small action to encourage more diversity amongst reporters is healthy. I would explain this move better if I were her.
Comment by Groucho Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:42 pm
== Or could it have more to do with their experience, credibility, audience, renown, or something else not associated with race? ==
Those certainly could be factors, but to ignore or dismiss the race angle here is willful ignorance. My former profession has a woeful track record when it comes to hiring, nurturing and promoting non-white reporters and editors. Looking back on my 16 years of working at newspapers in Illinois, I can count on one hand the number of my non-white colleagues.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:43 pm
Oy, Anon @ 1:43 is me.
Comment by Northsider Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:45 pm
===I don’t think our community is ready to welcome a white journalist trying to elevate their temporary disadvantage on priority of their media requests to the experiences of people of color in our nation over the last century.
It is, however, a great opportunity for a journalist to talk about how the announcement made them realize something about themselves, and about how awful systemic racism is and about how they have benefited from a privileged they’ve never really thought about.====
@ Candy Dogood, your comment which reads like foaming at the mouth is a great example of why people dislike this so much. There are ways to elevate the discussion and help eradicate racism without punishing people or publicly flogging them for being white.
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 1:56 pm
Here’s an idea: One day a week, limit news conferences to reporters of color. Let people see how empty the room is. And if this policy shuts out a media outlet, that’s on them.
Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:14 pm
I would add that I think there is value in an ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for reporters of color, as opposed to a one-shot symbolic stunt.
Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:14 pm
To highlight alleged past racism, I will now make racially based decisions on who will interview me.
Comment by Soapbox Derby Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:26 pm
Rich, did you delete my post about potential violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments? If so, why?
Comment by Cluster Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:33 pm
===If so, why? ===
Because it was beyond goofy.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:35 pm
===without punishing people or publicly flogging them===
Interesting metaphor choice.
Is a situation where reporters of color are given a higher priority for media requests for a specific event really punishing white reporters?
Our society has consistently perpetuated institutionalized racism and continues to do so today and the effects can be measured and demonstrated with scientific evidence. We live in a state that had numerous sundown towns. Was this — is this — institutional racism intended to punish people of color for not being white?
Is the root of discrimination the desire of white people to punish non-whites? Or is something that could be racial discrimination on it’s face only punishment if it applies to white people?
I think you might have missed the point of my comment. I am foaming at the mouth for suggesting this creates an opportunity for a journalist to write about what it feels like in a sincere effort to address the fact that for generations this country’s obsession with propagating institutionalized racism has limited the career opportunities of many millions of people, especially in an industry that is all about access.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:35 pm
==help eradicate racism without punishing people or publicly flogging them for being white.==
Who was punished or publicly flogged?
Comment by supplied_demand Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:38 pm
===publicly flogging them for being white===
Oh my goodness the drama.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:40 pm
==To highlight alleged past racism, I will now make racially based decisions on who will interview me.==
To solve racism, I will pretend it doesn’t exist.
Comment by supplied_demand Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:41 pm
* supplied demand
To fix racism, I will use more racism.
Comment by Soapbox Derby Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:44 pm
===publicly flogging them for being white===
The love of Pete…
It’s a question of “coverage versus access”
The beat reporters and outlets have in place who they want covering the mayor. The mayor can’t decide who covers her.
The mayor *can* decide who might have better access, and more opportunities. A favorite outlet, reporter, the mayor can decide that.
My take was… Amy Jacobson as an example… can’t decide who can cover what, but if the mayor is indicating to outlets, in an overall, for this *one time* type of interview who can get what… that’s kinda odd, why not just have a sit down with reporters of color and give… access.
But it’s not about that, it’s about the symbolism, as these outlets may or may not swap out their political reporters under this spotlight.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:50 pm
@soapbox_derby
Thank you for acknowledging racism exists. Now that we agree on that, you can’t simply announce racism is over then declare equality. There isn’t just some “Racism Jubilee” that makes everything even-steven. You get that, right?
Comment by supplied_demand Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 2:50 pm
@supplied_demand
Racism exists. However, its not the sole reason why many reporters are white, nor has it been proven that media outlets practice discriminatory hiring practices. Crying racism, without any proof, isn’t going to solve anything.
Comment by Soapbox Derby Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 3:14 pm
Can you imagine if for the next Lightfoot “milestone” (if there is one) if she only allowed media interviews to the white reporters? She’s playing the black/brown media in a desperate attempt to garner goodwill to be treated more favorably.
Comment by DSB Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 3:27 pm
There are no words….
Comment by DMC Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 3:28 pm
On the contrary, there are many words
Like Antilope
And ponce
Comment by Nick Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 3:33 pm
While there is acknowledgement that more needs to be done to advance diversity and equality the sad reality is that often times it doesn’t go beyond paying it lip service. And the reason for that is that when somebody does try to take a meaningful step as Lightfoot did here, it’s often met with incredible resistance, cries of reverse racism, or “publicly flogging.” But the reality is that we’ll only see change by taking the type of action that Lightfoot is here. And for those that accuse Lightfoot of being racist, deny a lack of diversity or cry you’re “punishing white people” you’ve entirely missed the point. In fact you’re helping her Lightfoot her point.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 3:36 pm
Nothing like Mary Ann going on the radio playing the victim.
Also John Williams doing a radio show about discrepancies in POC in the media business and openly saying he can’t say Tahman Bradley’s name correctly.
Comment by Frank talks Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 3:46 pm
Today has featured South Side Weekly saying they can’t get an interview with Lightfoot, WBEZ refuting the mayor’s claim that no women of color cover City Hall by pointing at two of their own reporters on the City Hall beat, and Wesley Lowery of CBS accepting the mayor’s invite, provided she would like some actual questions. Stepping in it at every turn.
Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 4:14 pm
I like that instead of making the conversation about the under representation of people of color in Chicago’s press pool that it’s being centered around the white reporters complaining.
I’m trying to decide if that’s representative of white fragility by biting at the opportunity to change the topic away from discussing why the press pool isn’t as diverse as the City of Chicago.
People can benefit from white privilege without being aware of it and without being racist.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 5:00 pm
It certainly shows the content of her character.
Comment by DuPage Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 5:02 pm
Once again Lightfoot puts down a heavy foot, and trips over herself. So the media is to only send black/brown reporters? Wait, how many “reporters of color” are there in the media? So there ARE ROC’s that she doesn’t want to talk to (or answer any tough questions from)? Wait, what?? Her Media Coordinator will be found very intoxicated in a bar somewhere after this one, and I can’t blame him or her for tying one on.
Comment by thisjustinagain Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 5:16 pm
This story is breaking well beyond the confines of Capitolfax. The outraged are mostly people who certainly are not Chicago voters. To grant more interviews with people of color would be admirable. To shun those who are White is totally wrong.
Comment by Southwest Sider Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 5:22 pm
I like the idea. Of course the message is communicated via her top media people who are both white. They are both excellent, for the record.
Comment by Press Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 5:33 pm
This is discriminatory, plain and simple. And contrived rationalizations don’t make it right, either.
Comment by ;) Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 5:42 pm
Did LL follow her media coordinators’ advice or did LL ignore her media coordinators’ advice?
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 7:09 pm
The way we treat people of color in this country, from massively disproportionate policing and imprisonment to housing discrimination to employment outcomes (white high school dropouts are wealthier than Black college graduates) is appalling.
But one press conference limited to reporters of color is what makes white folks indignant.
Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/03/10/white-high-school-dropouts-are-wealthier-than-black-and-hispanic-college-graduates-can-a-new-policy-tool-fix-that/%3foutputType=amp
Comment by Proud Papa Bear Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 7:28 pm
somebody has to ax the questions
Comment by Am I right Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 7:40 pm
Search the hacked city emails for “Platt” and “”Fran” the mayor’s often plays favorites. Guess who?
Comment by Southsider Wednesday, May 19, 21 @ 9:43 pm
Oh, do the white people feel discriminated against? How awful.
Comment by Anon E Moose Thursday, May 20, 21 @ 7:39 am