Comcast NBCUniversal Launches Fellowship Program That Highlights Black and LGBTQ+ Issues
PHOTO: GC Images
Two snaps and a twirl for all things queer media related! Comcast NBCUniversal has announced their groundbreaking initiative: The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab which will support Black and LGBTQ+ topics in the media as well as upcoming journalists with a passion for those communities.
The initiative will be implemented in conjunction with News is Out, a queer media collaborative of six of the nation’s top LGBTQ+ publications, and Word In Black, a collaborative of ten of the nation’s brightest Black publishers. Comcast will be donating over $1 million dollars towards the diversification initiative.
“Word In Black is looking forward to working with our colleagues at News is Out and Comcast NBCUniversal on this groundbreaking fellowship program,” said Chris Bennett, publisher of the Seattle Medium and member of the Word In Black collaboration. “Uplifting the voices of journalists and publishers who are dedicated to covering Black and LGBTQ+ stories is vital to the future of inclusive media.”
The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab will bring aboard 16 fellows who will focus on creating one article a month for the Newsroom they are working with, as well as reporting on stories of Black and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and creatives in their communities. They will also share information on acquiring access to technology, and the creation of digital equity for Black and Queer communities.
““As a Black queer woman, I know the impact of empowering and elevating Black and LGBTQ+ voices. This project gives us an opportunity to instill a great amount of knowledge and experience in fellows who can help amplify the voice of these communities in the media industry.””
If you or someone you know is interested in applying to be considered, hit the link below to apply! Good luck to everyone and hats off to the 16 media outlets dedicated to creating digital equity for all.
The 16 participating publications are: (via @ Comcast NBCUniversal)
AFRO News (Baltimore): Founded in 1892, AFRO provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found. The AFRO and its talented team of journalists have won numerous awards, including NNPA newspaper of the year in 2022, and was named the Nation’s # 1 African American Newspaper by Essence-Nielsen Consumer Survey.
The Atlanta Voice (Atlanta): The Atlanta Voice has been serving the metropolitan Atlanta community for more than 58 years. Birthed out of the Civil Rights movement as a trusted, authentic, fact and community driven media outlet for Black Atlanta. The publication’s motto is “A People Without A Voice Cannot be Heard”.
Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco): Launched in 1971, this weekly newspaper is one of the oldest and a pioneer in LGBTQ+ media.
Dallas Voice (Dallas): The premier media source for LGBTQ Texas, publishing every Friday since 1984.
Dallas Weekly (Dallas): Since 1954, Dallas Weekly has been at the epicenter of all things African American in north Texas, one of the country's fastest-growing regions.
Houston Defender (Houston): Since 1930, the Houston Defender Network has been "Raising Black Voices" as we Educate, Entertain and Empower the Greater Houston Black Community.
Michigan Chronicle (Detroit) The Michigan Chronicle is a news, information, and events company that covers the interests of the African American community. Leaders and readers in metropolitan Detroit look to the Michigan Chronicle to stay informed about issues that impact their lives.
New York Amsterdam News (New York City): Started more than a century ago, with a $10 investment, New York Amsterdam News has gone on to become one of the most important Black newspapers in the country and today remains one of the most influential Black-owned and -operated media businesses in the nation, if not the world.
Philadelphia Gay News (Philadelphia): The largest and oldest publication targeting the LGBTQ+ community, started in 1976.
The Sacramento Observer (Sacramento): Established in 1962, The Sacramento Observer has been one of the most decorated publications in the history of the Black Press.
Seattle Medium (Seattle): Founded on January 15, 1970, The Seattle Medium is the flagship publication of Tiloben Publishing Co., Inc. – the largest minority-owned and operated communications company in the Pacific Northwest, serving the Seattle, Tacoma and Portland Markets – and is the primary source of news that residents of Seattle read to stay informed regarding issues and events that affect and enhance the quality of life in African American community.
The St. Louis American (St. Louis): Since 1928, The St. Louis American newspaper remains Black-owned and has emerged as the leading, most trusted voice of the area's African American community.
Tagg Magazine (National): This award-winning and Black queer, woman-owned publication, founded in 2012, is committed to uplifting the voices of all LGBTQ+ women across the country. Tagg was created to serve "everything lesbian, queer, and under the rainbow."
Washington Blade (Washington, D.C.): This weekly publication is the oldest LGBTQ+ newspaper in the U.S. It was launched in 1969.
The Washington Informer (Washington, D.C.): Founded in 1964, this weekly, women-owned media company serves as the link to the African American community in the D.C. metropolitan area.
Windy City Times (Chicago): Founded in 1985, this legacy LGBTQ+ newspaper and website covers Chicago and its suburbs.
