During a press briefing held on Tuesday, December 19th, Mayor Eric Adams reiterated his dedication to improving the representation of ethnic and community media in the coverage of his administration. He expressed support for a state-level media diversity bill as part of his ongoing initiatives to amplify diverse voices in the media landscape, recognizing their crucial role in engaging with New York’s diverse communities.
Addressing the issue of limited media representation, Mayor Adams specifically mentioned Room 9 in City Hall and the press room, known as the “Shack,” at NYPD headquarters. These spaces are often dominated by larger media outlets, leaving smaller, community-focused media with limited access.
Acknowledging the challenge faced by many New Yorkers who rely on community-focused media for comprehensive information about city activities, Adams declared his intention to broaden access to these spaces, ensuring a more diverse range of media voices can contribute.
Mayor Adams highlighted the advocacy of Ethnic and Community Media (ECM) outlets, representing various diverse groups, for increased representation at City Hall and NYPD headquarters. He emphasized the need for a thorough analysis of the utilization of press space within Room 9.
“We’re going to conduct an analysis of how we are utilizing space in the building for the press. We’ll determine if those with multiple seats need to decide which one to relinquish. We need to open up these spaces to ethnic and community media,” stated Adams.
New York’s smaller media outlets, spanning radio, print, and digital formats, have recently formed the NY Coalition for Ethnic and Community Media. Their objective is to establish a state-level law similar to New York City’s current legislation, focusing on enhancing ECM representation and addressing issues of inequitable advertising and community disenfranchisement.
The coalition expressed its goals on its website, stating, “We are seeking a state law, equivalent to NYC Local Law 83, codified as a state law, so all communities will have access to important services, programs, and initiatives of state agencies across New York State.”
Although New York City has taken steps by allocating at least 50% of its advertising budget to ECM outlets, a September study by the Center for Community Media (CCM) revealed disparities on the state level. Less than 3% of advertising spending in the last decade by six state agencies with the largest budgets was allocated to ECM.
Mayor Adams also voiced his support for a state-wide bill sponsored by State Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblyman Al Taylor, aiming to replicate the inclusivity of NYC’s Local Law 83 on a broader scale. He concluded by emphasizing his commitment to “level the playing field” in media representation.
