Anemic Black-owned broadcast stations: a political economy analysis of FCC ownership reports (2009–2023)
Abstract
This study examines Black-owned broadcast stations from 2009 to 2023, using FCC data. Our analysis reveals persistently low Black ownership and significant gender disparities, exposing enduring systemic barriers. Drawing on media political economy and epistemic rights frameworks, these findings indicate current economic and regulatory systems violate communities’ rights to knowledge production and distribution. The dismantling of federal DEI initiatives now threatens to further exacerbate these disparities. This analysis suggests the need for targeted policies and practices to dismantle these obstacles and foster equitable media ownership.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Media Influence and Politics
Media Studies and Communication
ICT Impact and Policies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Media Economics
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Pages
- 1–19
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Language
- EN