On January 15, 2025, Don Lemon—former CNN anchor joined Black and Brown media publishers and journalism institutions at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., for “Covering A Divided Nation: Lessons from Black and Brown Media,” organized by URL Media and the National Press Club Journalism Institute. Focused on addressing post-election polarization and amplifying marginalized voices, the event featured pivotal sessions like “Listen to Black Women,” highlighting the leadership of Black women in shaping narratives, and “The Opportunity Before Media Now,” where Lemon, Kenya Parham, Global VP of Community & Partnerships at Spill, and moderator Mitra Kalita, URL Media Co-Founder & CEO of Epicenter-NYC, explored the urgent need for authentic journalism and inclusive platforms in a fractured media landscape.
Don Lemon’s Media’s Pivot: Authenticity and Engagement
Don Lemon, reflecting on his transition from CNN to independent media, shared how his new format allows for deeper connections with his audience. “People want authenticity,” he said. “They want an organization—especially news outlets—that stand up to power without fear or favor.” Lemon’s shift from the polished cable news environment to the interactive, audience-driven format of The Don Lemon Show symbolizes a larger media trend: the dismantling of barriers that once distanced journalists from their audiences.
By broadcasting live from his home and engaging with viewers in real-time, Lemon fosters an unfiltered, genuine exchange. “If my dogs bark or walk into the frame, that’s fine,” he noted, underscoring that this transparency resonates deeply with his audience, who are increasingly rejecting the artifice of traditional newsrooms.
Spill: A New Paradigm in Social Media
Kenya Parham’s insights on Spill, a burgeoning social media platform, reinforced the urgency of reimagining digital spaces for inclusivity and safety. Spill, founded and led by Black executives, champions cultural competency in moderation and prioritizes the needs of historically marginalized communities.
“While other platforms roll back diversity initiatives, Spill enforces strict community guidelines to ensure that misinformation and hate have no place,” Parham explained. The platform also empowers users by creating spaces for authentic cultural exchange and discourse. By combining human moderation with technology, Spill fosters what Parham called “kitchen table conversations,” where people engage meaningfully without fear of harassment or trolling.
Lessons from the 2024 Election
Reflecting on the 2024 election, both Lemon and Parham emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and community connection. Lemon described his road trips through battleground states, where direct conversations with voters revealed complexities often absent in national narratives. “I had Black women saying they weren’t voting for Biden, and white truck drivers telling me they couldn’t support Trump because he’s a liar,” he recounted.
The former CNN host voiced unease with the reality that only a few billionaires hold massive influence over public discourse through tech platforms. He specifically cited the need for the public to be wary of how this affects elections, policy-making, and overall political outcomes. He noted that facts and fact-checking become even more crucial when social media can determine what millions of people see or believe. He expressed disapproval of any moves—whether by Musk or other tech leaders—to undermine rigorous fact-based journalism.
Parham highlighted Spill’s civic engagement initiatives, such as a voter resource hub that provided tools for users to check ballots and understand their rights. “Our platform’s users were holding voter rights information on their phones while standing in line at the polls,” she shared, demonstrating how technology can empower civic participation.
Rethinking Media Business Models
A recurring theme in the discussion was the need to rethink traditional media business models. Lemon and Parham both lamented the mistrust in legacy outlets and the challenges of sustaining independent media in a fractured digital landscape. Parham called for greater investment in platforms like Spill, emphasizing, “Community media matters, and trusted voices are essential to reshaping discourse and holding power accountable.”
Lemon echoed this sentiment, urging support for independent journalism: “Platforms like mine and Spill don’t get the support that big names do. If we’re going to gain a foothold in this digital space, we need your support.” The Don Lemon Show host suggested that Americans are “rightly concerned” about the absence of stronger antitrust or regulatory frameworks that could check the power of mega-platform owners like Musk or Zuckerberg.
The Media We Need!
It’s not enough for media outlets to pay lip service to “diversity.” They must prioritize underrepresented voices, fund platforms that nurture local reporting, and create spaces where everyday people can safely engage on critical issues.
“We must support independent media and these new platforms,” Lemon urged.
“Black and Brown outlets just don’t get the same backing. If you want authentic journalism, you have to go out of your way to seek it—and support it.”
Indeed, there is a need for a media landscape that centers authenticity, inclusivity, and community engagement. Both Lemon and Parham offered a blueprint for navigating the challenges ahead—one that prioritizes connection over sensationalism, equity over exploitation, and innovation over stagnation.
As the broader event emphasized, the future of media lies in amplifying diverse voices and building coalitions that transcend racial, social, and political divides. Only by doing so, will the media fulfill its role as a watchdog of democracy and a vehicle for transformative change.
