Guest:
Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large at The 19th News, award-winning journalist, political analyst, and candidate for President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Episode Summary:
What happens when the organization that once spoke truth to power… goes quiet?
In this candid and courageous conversation, host L. Michelle Smith sits down with her friend and media powerhouse Errin Haines to talk about the urgent state of Black journalism, the legacy (and future) of NABJ, and what leadership must look like when both journalism and democracy are under attack.
Errin shares deeply personal stories—from reporting in Ferguson to launching The 19th—and outlines her bold vision for NABJ’s next 50 years. They discuss press freedom, AI, innovation, media accountability, and the hard truth about corporate sponsorship and advocacy.
This isn’t just a conversation.
It’s a call to action.
Key Topics:
How Black journalists are being silenced, arrested, and sidelined in today's political climate
Why press freedom and protest coverage are now one and the same
What it means to truly advocate when your sponsors are the ones you should be watching
The role of AI in journalism (and why it’s not the enemy—if you know how to use it)
Why Errin is running for NABJ president—and what she'll bring to the role
Why NABJ needs bold, transparent, and tech-savvy leadership more than ever
Show Shoutouts:
People & Organizations Mentioned:
The 19th News
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Texas Christian University
Joy-Ann Reid
Don Lemon
Tiffany Cross
Alex Wagner
April Ryan
Yamiche Alcindor
Jasmine Wright
Cheryl Smith
Richard Prince & Journal-isms
Mark Morial, National Urban League
NAACP
National Action Network
Legal Defense Fund
NNPA (National Newspaper Publishers Association)
The Associated Press
Gannett
Unity: Journalists of Color Convention
Atlanta Daily World
The Ferguson Protests
Places:
Cleveland, OH (NABJ 2025 Convention)
Seattle, WA
Auburn Avenue, Atlanta
Essence Festival, New Orleans
Things & Themes:
AI & journalism
Press freedom
Corporate media sponsors
Media accountability
Innovation in Black media
Movement journalism
Advocacy and activism
DEI backlash
Independent newsroom funding models
A Special Message to NABJ Members:
If you're headed to Cleveland for the 2025 NABJ Convention, enjoy the fellowship, the forums, and the opportunity to come home to the organization that shaped so many of us.
But remember: your voice doesn’t stop at the mic.
It matters at the ballot box.
Make time to vote in the NABJ elections.
Your vote is your power—and this moment requires bold, visionary leadership.
Let’s make the next 50 years count.
Listen or watch now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
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