Kerry Washington calls out CBS News for not hiring any African American journalists to cover the 2020 election
Kerry Washington wants to see black journalists represented in the CBS News team’s coverage of the 2020 election. The former Scandal actress took to Twitter to voice her frustration with the network, which recently announced its lineup of reporters and producers that will cover the campaign trail.
“Dear @CBS News, I am encouraged by the diversity you DID include. But when it comes time to discuss the inevitable role that race and racism will play in the election, who will you turn to for a perspective with nuanced & personal understanding of the African American experience?”
Dear @CBSNews, I am encouraged by the diversity you DID include. But when it comes time to discuss the inevitable role that race and racism will play in the election, who will you turn to for a perspective with nuanced & personal understanding of the African American experience? https://t.co/yqViF535oY
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 13, 2019
The lineup of eight campaign reporters and four producers does not have any black journalists. There are, however, several other minorities represented.
Washington wasn’t the only one.
This is a disgrace. And you’re proud?
— roxane gay (@rgay) January 13, 2019
How do you not have one black reporter or producer.
— Tyler Dinucci (@TylerDinucci) January 12, 2019
Im embarrassed for you.
— Kellee Terrell (@kelleent) January 12, 2019
It's actually *remarkable* that you could make an error this glaringly stupid and wrong. You'd almost have to have done this intentionally it's so obvious.
— Erin Biba (@erinbiba) January 13, 2019
This isn’t the first time that Washington has spoken up about the lack of diversity at CBS News. Back in December, the actress mentioned the network’s issues during a speaking engagement at The Wing. “Come along for the ride, CBS,” she said, encouraging the network to put a woman of color at the center.
.@kerrywashington calls out CBS as a network without a show with a woman of color at the center, “come along for the ride, CBS.” 👏 pic.twitter.com/XkKTtP0l86
— Kendall Ciesemier (@kciesemier) December 6, 2018
CBS has frequently been criticized for its mostly-white, male-dominated administration and anchors. The network recently named Susan Zirinsky, a 46-year employee of the company, as its first female head of CBS News. The network has lost several high-ranking male employees due to sexual harassment allegations, including CEO Les Moonves, 60 Minutes head Jeff Fager and anchor Charlie Rose. Zirinsky’s predecessor, David Rhodes, stepped down recently.
Washington certainly isn’t afraid to make waves herself. While she is known for her acting roles and activism, she recently moved in a new direction, serving as a director on the hit Showtime series SMILF. The show’s creator Frankie Shaw captured Washington on set in Boston back in August.
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A post shared by Frankie Shaw (@frankieshawisag) on Aug 15, 2018 at 5:51pm PDT
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