In a media briefing on February 2nd, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, experts and ethnic media publishers came together to try and shed light on the accelerating crisis of ethnic media and explore potential solutions to revitalize the industry. 

Although there was no representation from any South Asian or Gen-Z publishers, we can all agree that ethnic media publishers are resilient and can overcome challenges when they adapt to the new dynamic media landscape. However, the dialogue in this briefing steered more toward problems and less toward effective solutions.

Speakers

  • Steven Waldman, Founder and President of Rebuild Local News
  • Ryan Adam, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at Torstar, the parent company of the Toronto Star
  • Brittney Barsotti, General Counsel for CNPA – California News Publishers Association
  • Martha Diaz Aszkenazy, Owner and Publisher of the San Fernando Valley Sun
  • Cora Oriel, Publisher and President of Asian Journal
  • Nakia Cooper, Current President of the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) and Communications Director for Houston Ethnic Media (HEM)

“Ethnic media print publications audiences are largely older immigrants who like to read a physical newspaper. There are many barriers for them to access an online publication.” These were the written words of an editor at Ethnic Media Services – an umbrella organization supporting over 300 ethnic media outlets in California. The latest research and trends prove otherwise. With Gen-Z embracing magazines and print media and older immigrants getting attuned to WhatsApp and Facebook, the old stereotypical rhetoric of ethnic media publishers is the very reason they believe they are victims and can’t see the bigger picture.

South Asian and Gen-Z representation was missed from the briefing. In an age where Gen-Z is the future of media and the workforce, it is very disconcerting to see this group missing in important conversations like these. This isn’t 2020, it is 2024 now. It is time to wake up and realize that opportunities are everywhere. Whatever. I guess Gen-Z and South Asians aren’t important enough and we don’t face the same adversity other ethnic publishers face. Right?

Steven Waldman kicked off the briefing, highlighting a concerning trend where an increasing number of newspapers are closing, leaving vast “media deserts” in their wake. According to Waldman, the loss of local journalism not only fuels misinformation but also jeopardizes the public’s access to crucial information, posing a direct threat to democracy. Paywalls, subscriptions, data-gouging, the mainstream media does it all.

Brittney Barsotti echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to address the “crisis” in local journalism. She emphasized the challenges faced by small publishers, particularly ethnic and community publications. Barsotti highlighted the staggering decline in ethnic media outlets, citing a significant drop in the number of such publications in Los Angeles and throughout California. She also underscored the inadequacy of philanthropic funding to address the crisis, emphasizing the need for sustainable, long-term solutions.

Amongst the many ethnic media outlets that shared their struggles, there was no Gen-Z or South Asian voice. The challenges shared hold true for every ethnic publisher out there. Sadly, ethnic media publishers shared hollow solutions and cookie-cutter methods to stay resilient. From taking on other full-time income to crowdfunding to surviving on loans and grants, no one discussed innovative ideas and solutions for ethnic media to grow. Perhaps this has something to do with the victim mentality we have ingrained in us.

Martha Diaz Aszkenazy provided a firsthand account of the challenges faced by ethnic media publishers. Her bilingual publication epitomizes the resilience of mission-driven media. Aszkenazy emphasized the critical role of ethnic media in preserving local journalism and serving diverse communities. She highlighted the need for targeted support to ensure the survival of these vital publications.

Cora Oriel shed light on the unique challenges faced by ethnic media outlets. Oriel emphasized the impact of social media platforms dominating the advertising space, making it increasingly difficult for ethnic media to compete and sustain their operations. She stressed the need for equitable policies and initiatives that recognize the distinct challenges faced by ethnic media publishers.

Nakia Cooper provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by media outlets. Cooper’s experience underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for collaborative efforts to address the crisis. Her perspective highlighted the multifaceted nature of the challenges and the importance of innovative solutions to sustain local journalism.

In response to these challenges, the experts and ethnic media publishers discussed potential solutions and initiatives to support the ailing industry. With a focus on funding through the government or from tech platforms – Google and Meta – there was no discussion of educating and highlighting the increased value of ethnic publishers and the trust earned from their respective communities.

Collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives will be crucial in revitalizing the ethnic media space. Democratization of news can only be possible with support and recognition for ethnic media from marketers.

As ethnic media publishers ourselves, we have had our fair share of challenges. While some of our cohort has resorted to alternative income sources, we have resorted to following our roots and doing what we know best.

For ethnic media publishers who think they are victims of the tech industry, it is time they change their mindset. The old rhetoric that traditional media is dead doesn’t hold with the future generation of consumers and buyers. There is an increased interest in being contrary to the mainstream. Gen-Z and millennials like simple. They like calm. They like zines. People like ‘different’ but ‘different’ takes time to be acknowledged and accepted.

Being a part of the leading South Asian Gen-Z-focused zine, Siliconeer, I strongly believe we aren’t victims of technocratic success. We stay ‘contrary to the mainstream’ while being available to the masses. It is no surprise that Siliconeer has made a significant splash in the ethnic media space. 

With vast access to relevant information, an increased focus on the Gen-Z dialogue, and significant support from the upcoming group of consumers/readers, we are elated to be an ethnic media publisher that has served the South Asian community for over three generations – Gen-X, Millennials, Gen-Z, and slowly – Gen Alpha.  We are very grateful to have entered our 25th year in publishing and we consider ourselves to be constant disruptors. The message is very clear from us: Help is appreciated. Recognition is necessary. Gen-Z and South Asians are relevant and we are the future of ethnic media.