How the media and entertainment industry is addressing systemic racism

How the media and entertainment industry is addressing systemic racism

Following the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and many other Black people at the hands of police, companies have started to take a stand against systemic racism.

The media and entertainment industry has long monetized Black culture and creativity, and must address the absence of Black representation in positions of power.

Advertising, consumer products, gaming, music, social media and sports companies are also addressing racism in content.



The murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others at the hands of U.S. police have sparked a wave of protests around the world, forcing corporations to take a stand against racial injustice and evaluate how - and to what degree - they perpetuate systemic racism.

On 2 June 2020, to show solidarity with protesters, many companies posted a black square on Instagram with the #BlackoutTuesday, created by two Black women who work for Atlantic Records and Platoon. Meanwhile, Alexis Ohanian, former CEO of Reddit - known to house threads rife with hate speech - resigned from the company's board and called for a Black candidate to replace him, and said he will use future gains from his Reddit stock to curb racial violence.

These actions touch on two issues facing the media