The Obama Administration has definitely had its fair share of first and when it comes to the Press Conference Newsroom there is no difference. For the first time a prominent African-American magazine, Ebony, was asked to join the ranks of other media outlets such as Vanity Fair and the NY Times. At the premiere appearance of reporters for the magazine editor Kevin Chappell was called upon to question President Obama. Chappell's question marked the first time an African-American reporter was called upon by a President during a live Press Conference telecast. The fact that a media outlet that is so widely read by the black community has never been invited to the White House seems odd. Especially since tabloid favorites like People and Us Weekly have each had reporters invited to take part in Press Conferences. And it seems almost more unfair when you take into account that minority reporters is at an all time high of 13.5%. By limiting the availability of African-American reporters to be allowed to participate in the White House news room you are shutting down the lines of communication. It also makes you question if black reporters are not at such a high profile place as the White House are they in the newsroom at all? Could this represent a bigger trend of lack of black coverage in the media and their stories not being heard. Could it also contribute to why you see such stereotypical images of African-Americans in the news. If black reporters are not invited into the newsroom them their is no one to say that what is being shown is wrong. And until this is changed then these images will keep being shown and a vast majority of the viewing public will continue to believe the stereotypes they see on the news.
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