So get this: it’s 2017, and for the first time in almost 30 YEARS, two black newsreaders have appeared presenting a prime time show on Sky. Let that sink in. Please note: this is nowhere near a dig at Sky, but rather at the whole of journalism. The face of journalism.
Let’s face it, the face of journalism is predominantly – and hugely white; only rarely featuring journalists of colour, let alone black journalists.
Small small progress
Seeing this photo became a massive breathe of fresh air for me. It gives me hope that one day it can be a norm to see different cultures present the 1 o’clock, or 6 o’clock news, not only past 10 o’clock when most people are preparing for bed. But until that happens, we have to keep celebrating when we see change being implemented.
I am thrilled to see this AND it is in the day as well – wow
Despite the ignorant internet trolls commenting on social media that this photo ‘isn’t a big deal’, it is great seeing this photo being recognised and celebrated. It is a big deal!
I don’t usually watch Sky News but if I had, I would have noticed this straight away!
And an even bigger deal that one of these presenters anchoring on the news, Claudia-Liza Armah, mentored me when I was a young aspiring journalist! You are forever an inspiration and more, Claudia.
Claudia presented this show with Gamal Fahnbulleh, a British broadcast journalist and presenter. Both who have been grafting for several years, and it’s great to see how social media reacted celebrating these two!
It doesn’t make someone racist to notice it, it makes people feel proud especially people of colour because this means we are a step closer to equality. Now little girls and boys of colour can have a wider spectrum of job opportunities and dreams like being an anchor or a reporter because it’s becoming a norm to see a diverse group of people on TV.
You know what the good news is also? Claudia and Gamal are not the only journalists of colour doing awesome things!
A few broadcasters that I strongly admire (in no particular order):
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences” – Audre Lorde
Hannah Ajala 