Each deal disturbed large parts of the national black community. This one changed the equation mightily, and has left even African Americans questioning not only the future of black ownership but also the efficacy of such a notion. Robert Johnson himself joined the issue in an interview with black columnists. Some people accept Johnson's analysis as realistic and a fact of life, believing that the BET founder, now the nation's first black billionaire, is a role model for future minority entrepreneurs who, if they desire, will position their businesses to be sold to the highest bidder. We are the most potent audience out there, so they have to tap the untapped markets, blacks and Latinos.
Trend unnerves some On the other hand, many find that prospect extremely disturbing.
In short, many African Americans believe that having media control over black images and culture within a larger culture that often portrays blacks in negative or imbalanced light is worth more than the relatively short-term gains of the Viacom deal. Tracie Hunter, general manager of a gospel radio station serving Cincinnati and environs, says she wants to own radio and television stations some day. She considers the turn of events tragic. We've never been fairly represented in the media. I think we have enough resources that we could pool our money and compete with Viacom.