Ethnic Journalism

Ethnic Journalism

Ethnic journalism is the reporting of a particular ethnic group, generally by members of that same community. Whether online, on television, or in print, ethnic journalism speaks to the needs of a group of people. Many times they are in the native language of that group and report on stories relevant back in their native lands. With the growing population of foreign born people in the United States, many of these individuals embrace ethnic news outlets that relate to their culture and interests. Ethnic journalism faces many challenges with changing media but has found followers that both support and appreciate having that unique form of media in their community.
Ethnic journalism can be found in various ways in the media. Spanish speaking television stations have become popular in the US. Mostly, however, they have joined larger more established media conglomerations for financial security. For example, the most popular television station, Univision, is owned by NBC. Ethnic newspapers face the same struggles as their mainstream competitors. The newspaper industry as a whole has suffered from a decline in ad revenue and dwindling circulation. Ethnic newspapers are more at risk of failing because they do not have the financial security and a continual loyal following to support tougher times.
Ethnic newspapers have had a harder time surviving, and a more difficult job in reporting. Newspapers tend to focus their reporting on the needs of a particular region. Because of this close relationship with their communities, journalists are better equipped to write about and discuss the needs of those they represent. This is a positive result of ethnic journalism. Still, many ethnic newspapers come under attack by those in their community for criticizing their own communities. Newspapers, like all journalism, require objectivity in reporting the facts. Therefore, ethnic journalism faces a fine line between tailoring their message towards their community while maintaining...