Black Media, Giving Back and Staying Solid w/Datwon Thomas

Day 1 Radio

This week Day 1 Radio catches up with media veteran and current Editor-In-Chief of VIBE Datwon Thomas to talk about the role of Black members of the media in days like this and the overall experience of being a Black journalist and editor in a field where things change on a daily basis. Listen as Datwon paints a picture of this journey through stories and forward-thinking ideas as only an OG like himself could.

4:30- The Vibe EIC talks about what he feels is his primary responsibility is right now as a leading creator in Black media. Among them are continuing to tell Black stories and support the younger voices and activist who are drawing attention to important issues right now.

7:30 - Datwon talks about how even the best in Black media are still being placed the lowest on the totem pole when it comes to getting access to Black superstars. He shares a couple stories from his experience talking to the cast of Marvel's "Black Panther" that shows how this happens often. 15:45 - Datwon talks about his current role as the Editor-In-Chief of VIBE and the challenges that come with it. He talks about how the brand has stayed alive due to a number of different editors refusing to let it die. He talks about the challenges he's facing and why it's important to keep and protect legacy brands like this. 20:00 - The conversation shifts to the future of journalism, especially with the immediate changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Datwon compares the need for physical newsrooms to the magic that happens when recording artists still work together in the studio. But he also stresses that it's important to use all of the new technology at our disposal. 24:25 - We discuss the cycle of people who create the culture, not owning the culture and how this moment in time may lead to a break in that cycle. 29:00 - Here we talk about entering the space where OG music writers have to decide what music they should offer their thoughts on and how to find younger writers to talk about that music instead. 34:00 - Datwon talks about the role that Black media should be playing in times like these and how we need different kinds of writers to tell different kinds of stories. 41:00 - Here we talk about the idea and realities of members of the Black media pooling their resources together to create their own mega media outlets. 44:30 - Branden asks Datwon and Maurice about their experiences working with young journalists and if they have the same vigor to cover Black issues as earlier generations.

Day 1 Radio podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, IHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public, and CLNS Mobile Media app. Follow us on Twitter, FB, and IG at @day1radio