Election 2008: Without minority presence in Phila. debate, journalists argue news leaves out issues

Eric Mayes
Tribune Staff Writer

The fact that both moderators in ABC’s Democratic debate, to be held next week in Philadelphia, are white men has raised concerns among some, who agree that it raises broader issues about the lack of diversity among journalists covering this campaign.
“I think that considering the fact the debate is in Philadelphia, it’s a bit disingenuous,” said Denise Clay, a vice-chair for the Media Watch Committee for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. “You’re in a city that is majority minority. I guess this is ABC’s show and they wanted their people. But couldn’t they find anyone?”
Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton are scheduled to participate in the event, which is to be held at 8 p.m. April 16 at the National Constitution Center.
It is to be moderated by the anchor of ABC’s World News, Charlie Gibson and the network’s Washington bureau chief George Stephanopoulos.
ABC said the two men were chosen to moderate the event because of their experience in the political arena.
“They certainly have the resumes for something like this,” said ABC spokeswoman Natalie Raabe.
Raabe said the network, on Thursday afternoon, would issue a statement further explaining the network’s position. It had not been received at the time story was published on Friday, April 11.
Clay said the network’s choice deprived voters of a broader voice.
She immediately suggested ABC anchor Diane Sawyer or former ABC correspondent Michelle Martin.
“There are too many journalists of color, too many women, too many people who could actually be a voice,” she said. “It’s a shame that in the year 2008 journalists of color are still fighting to get a seat at the table,”
Barbara Ciara, president of the National Association of Black Journalists agreed.
“Based on the rich diversity that Philadelphia has among its population, it’s reasonable to expect that would be considered when selecting a moderator,” she said. “I don’t think all white people think alike, nor do I think all Black people think alike. But the fact that there are so few African Americans in the journalism mix during this election cycle profoundly affects the vision, message and perspective that you see, hear and read in the media.”

To read story in its entirety: www.phillytrib.com/channel/news/301news6345.asp