By Tashi McQueenAFRO Employees Writertmcqueen@afro.com
Because the AFRO prepares to have fun 133 years in operation, its leaders replicate on what it takes for Black-owned newspapers to outlive and thrive for 100 years and past.
Their recommendation comes at a time when information organizations and race-focused companies face elevated scrutiny—underscoring the necessity for unity and artistic options.
Kevin “MPECKABLE” Peck, vice chairman of selling and know-how for the AFRO, and Dr. James E. Wooden Jr., an AFRO board member and treasurer, shared three key ideas for newspapers seeking to construct and keep an enduring legacy regardless of ongoing challenges.
Modernize and innovate
Wooden mentioned having an up to date company construction–making certain that the enterprise is run effectively–is essential to sustaining a legacy newspaper. Current research present that papers that cling to outdated programs and are usually not in a position or prepared to maintain updated are left behind and shut down.
“Leaders need to exit into the higher world, see all of the innovation that’s coming and discover methods to verify we’re on the desk,” mentioned Wooden. “We’ve to prioritize what’s vital and do it as effectively and successfully as we will.”
Based on an October 2024 report by the Medill College of Journalism at Northwestern College, the U.S. has misplaced one-third of its newspapers since 2005 at a charge of about 2.5 closures per week over the earlier 12 months. Key causes for closures are tied to structural points such because the lack of conventional promoting revenues, outdated enterprise fashions and poor funding in digital adaptation.
“It could’t be an establishment that’s simply frozen in time and stone,” mentioned Peck. “It needs to be alive, persevering with to evolve.”
In terms of innovation, Peck recommends conserving abreast of leading edge applied sciences.
“I’m all the time in tune with the tech guys, panels, articles and it offers me a glimpse into the place it’s transferring,” mentioned Peck.
Keep true to the legacy
With the AFRO’s wealthy historical past rooted in Baltimore, the state and an extended record of relations dedicated to conserving it alive and thriving, legacy stays a defining a part of what makes the AFRO what it’s.
“I take a look at the AFRO, and even now, there are generations of individuals working collectively to maintain it related and within the entrance as a lot as doable,” mentioned Wooden.
Peck acknowledged the difficult steadiness of sustaining legacy and embracing innovation.
“Legacy is every thing, however in enterprise, innovation and alter is every thing,” mentioned Peck. “The steadiness there may be realizing your objective whereas additionally pushing for what’s subsequent and even getting forward of what’s subsequent.”
Retaining a pulse on the younger era
For newspapers and media firms, conserving abreast of youthful generations’ preferences, information and desires is essential for long-term success. Based on a 2024 Pew Analysis report, 86 p.c of U.S. adults get their information from digital units, whereas solely 26 p.c eat information in print—the bottom proportion recorded up to now.
On the identical time, the American Press Institute discovered that many younger folks report experiencing information fatigue and restricted enjoyment when partaking with information content material. Overlooking these developments may very well be detrimental for the way forward for a newspaper.
Wooden identified that it’s vital to not solely join with and pour into the youth, however to make sure it’s a give and take between generations—bridging expertise with contemporary views.
He emphasised that younger folks needs to be those exploring and taking the leaps, whereas the older era stays open to studying and understanding what’s coming subsequent.
This mindset is particularly vital on the subject of supporting rising Black media startups.
“What’s their experience, their area of interest?” mentioned Wooden. “The place are they hiring, the place are they reporting?”
He mentioned legacy establishments ought to play an energetic position in nurturing these startups—sharing experience and supporting them as they lay the muse for long-term success.
