Defending Journalism: Gayle King Needs to Follow Rachel Maddow’s Lead
I’m angry and must express my extreme disappointment and displeasure over Gayle King’s decision to travel into space as a Blue Origin launch participant. The space tourism company is owned by Jeff Bezos, who has made the lives of columnists, editors and journalists a living hell ever since he acquired the Washington Post. Bezos is among many billionaires who purchased news publications and outlets for the sole purpose of censorship or controlling the political narrative in America.
King, a veteran journalist, should know better, especially if she truly understands that journalism is under attack and members of the media are being threatened on a daily basis. Rachel Maddow made that abundantly clear when she recently called out her own network for canceling Joy Reid’s show, The ReidOut, and the shows of other popular MSNBC anchors. What she did was incredibly courageous and took “breasts of steel”. If King decided to dismiss what Bezos has done at the Washington Post and to members of its award-winning staff, she’s indicated that she couldn’t care less about what he’s done to them or the negative impact he’s having on journalism. This is not the time for that, especially when so many anchors, journalists and reporters are stepping out of their comfort zones and the shadows to proclaim media representatives must stand as one.
It is my sincere hope that King will read this and reconsider. However, I know that would be a long-shot because of the historical significance of the spring event. Nonetheless, I’m hopeful that King will look at the bigger picture and be willing to send a powerful message to not only Bezos, but journalists in this country and abroad.
For the record, if she’s that interested in traveling into space, Blue Origin isn’t the only company providing an opportunity. Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is another option. I suggest she give “The Bran-Man” a call and discuss doing something on a much larger scale. Like what, you ask? Well, maybe an all-Black female crew….. of trailblazing journalists. Something tells me King might like that even more, especially if Oprah gets to suit up as well.
This commentary is from the heart and…..from The G-Man.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore