Black Journalist Gwen Ifill Best Positioned To Shatter Political Talk's Glass Ceiling

Time For White Males To Share Sunday Mornings

A prominent watchdog and a USA Today columnist agree that ABC has a prime opportunity not only to increase the ethnic diversity seen on Sunday morning talkfests, but to break the color barrier in the moderator’s chair.

The opening is due to Diane Sawyer's move to nightly World News and the move of George Stephanopoulos to Good Morning America.

USA Today columnist DeWayne Wickham reported on the efforts of Stephanie Jones to increase diversity on the Sunday morning shows in general, which help set the national conversation. Jones is head of the National Urban League Policy Institute, which has produced studies documenting the paucity of minority guests on the programs.

She says they are getting better but still have a lot of work to do. Another study is said to be due out next year.

Wickham went Jones one better, suggesting that veteran journalist Gwen Ifill be given a shot at the job. Ifill is currently with PBS, and has had stops at NBC, the Washington Post and the New York Times, among other places.

CNN is rumored to be kicking the tires, so NBC needs to move on this and quick. Especially with their "More Colorful" campaign being anything but.

Michel Martin of NPR, another veteran with a long multimedia resume, was another Wickham suggestion.

Source

African American Newsweek Editor Replaces Tim Russert At NBC

Mark Whitaker Becomes The HNIC

A black man has been named NBC's new Washington bureau chief.

Mark Whitaker, who served as editor of Newsweek from 1998 to 2006 and oversaw the growth of Newsweek's web site, will also have oversight of 'Meet the Press,' election coverage.

Meet the press and this historic election just hasn't been the same for me since Tim Russert's death in June at the age of 58. Seeing an exceptional brother in the position, however, is just a further indication of this movement that will forever change what it truly means to be Black in America.

Whitaker had recently been serving as senior vice president of NBC News in New York.

His day-to-day responsibilities will include executive oversight of "Meet the Press" and the network's election and political coverage.

NBC also said Whitaker will make occasional appearances as an on-air analyst. Additionally, he will continue on with his senior vice president duties.

"Mark's got all of the components that will assure his success — a commitment to journalistic integrity, political savvy, a keen eye for the future and a management style that is inclusive and fair," NBC News President Steve Capus said in a statement. "He is exactly what the bureau needs."

Prior to joining NBC News, Whitaker served as editor of Newsweek from 1998 to 2006. He also oversaw the growth of Newsweek's web site, which is partnered with msnbc.com.

"I am honored and humbled to succeed Tim, whose commitment to journalism without fear or favor is a beacon for us all," said Whitaker in a statement. "And I am thrilled to get to work with our unparalleled team of NBC reporters and producers in Washington."

From 2006 until 2007, Whitaker served as vice president and editor-in-chief of new ventures at Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, creating online projects for Newsweek's parent, The Washington Post Co.

Whitaker will manage the Washington bureau's daily operations, working closely with Wendy Wilkinson and Brady Daniels, who serve as deputy chiefs.

He will also work alongside Chuck Todd, NBC's political director.

Whitaker assumes his duties immediately. Source.

Folks Who Get It: Black People Loved Some Tim Russert

America Mourns The Truth Seeker

Today is a sad day for news and information junkies across the racial spectrum. We here at 3BAAS Media Group are stunned to hear Tim Russert, NBC Washington Bureau Chief, is dead at the age 58.

True to his steadfast excellence, the "Explainer In Chief" had returned early from a trip to Italy after celebrating the graduation of his beloved son Luke from Boston College to prepare for his Sunday "Meet The Press" program, the gold standard of political commentary.

Doctors are reporting that likely went into cardiac arrest at NBC studios at 30 Rock and probably had something special planned for the Father Day's broadcast. Russert collapsed while recording voiceovers, according to the network.

Russert, the recipient of 48 honorary doctorates, took over the helm of “Meet the Press” in December 1991. He leaves behind his wife, son, his father Big Russ, and a legion of friends and admirers. Many have sent messages and condolences, including President Bush, former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton, presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, and Illinois Senator Barack Obama.

Tom Brokaw broke the news to the world. I was particularly touched by Obama's statement that he was "grief-stricken" by the news. Something tells me Russert was looking forward to seeing this Black man make history and forever change the course of politics and this country as we know it.

Now in its 60th year, “Meet the Press” is the longest-running program in the history of television. In 2008, Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.Remember all, tomorrow is not promised. Our prayers, thoughts and heartfelt appreciation to Russert and the NBC family. Our Sunday mornings will never be the same.For more, please visit MSNBC.