UIN staff, 6-14-25 info@uintv.net
U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin found that McDonald’s may have violated civil rights laws by relegating Byron Allen‘s networks to meager advertising tiers specifically reserved for companies that produce content targeted to Black audiences. Though it was a “close call,” he ruled that there’s enough evidence indicating that Entertainment Studios and The Weather Channel television network were shut out of the fast food giant’s much larger general market budget for a jury to consider the case.
While Mr. Allen had to pick one company, it is a practice that all major corporations engage in. This is despite the fact that Black consumer make up the profit margin of a vast majority of American corporations. These practices have had a devastating effect on the Black community. Nowhere is this immoral practice more evident than in Detroit:
IT’S IMPACT:
Economic Impact
- Loss of Revenue: Black-owned media outlets may struggle financially without advertising support, leading to potential closures or reduced services.
- Job Losses: Decreased revenue can result in layoffs within these media organizations, affecting employment in the community.
Cultural Representation
- Limited Visibility: Black-owned media often highlight issues, stories, and perspectives relevant to the Black community. Without ads, these narratives may receive less attention.
- Stereotyping: Mainstream media may not accurately represent Black experiences, leading to stereotypes and misrepresentation.
Community Engagement
- Reduced Outreach: Black-owned media often serve as platforms for community events and discussions. Lack of advertising can limit their ability to engage and inform the community.
- Diminished Voice: The absence of Black-owned media in advertising can silence important community voices and issues.
Social Impact
- Erosion of Trust: Communities may lose trust in media that do not reflect their experiences or support their businesses.
- Civic Participation: Black-owned media often encourage civic engagement. Without their influence, community participation in local issues may decline.
Overall, the absence of ads from Black-owned media can undermine economic stability, cultural representation, and community engagement within the Black community.
Corporations get around their responsibility by giving ad contracts to their friends who own Black targeted but not Black owned media. (BET, The Black Information Network, Bonce, The Root). The Democratic Party is one of the worst supporters of this practice and this could have contributed to Kamala’s loss.
General Motors could be next on the list. Mary Berra cavalierly dismissed a meeting with Allen and Ice Cube several years. They wanted to talk to her about GM’s poor record on doing business with Black owned media. (https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2021/03/28/gm-ceo-mary-barra-blasted-racist/7028551002/) Black car buyers are a major contributor of GM’s income. General Motors constantly requesting and gets tax breaks from the City Council which puts a greater burden on city residents. Jefferson Avenue may appear as a medieval moat because despite their billions, the GM execs look down from their glass enclosed towers across the street on their city, Detroit, with the highest crime, unemployment, homelessness. When you add the poor education Detroit children are receiving, it is shameful. GM is not alone by any stretch, they have company.
The Byron Allen case should be precedent setting. It is past time for American businesses to pay for the harm they have inflicted in its Black citizens.
