BET Founder Shelia Johnson Says OWN Network Lacks Diversity

Filed under: News

Last week, Oprah found herself being criticized after the launch of the OWN network because it is not offered as part of basic cable service in some areas. Some thought that this was rather elitist in a time when millions of people are facing shrinking budgets, making OWN something of a luxury outside of easy reach for all. Now Oprah Winfrey is coming under fire from someone who knows a thing or two about launching a successful network, BET co-founder and fellow billionaire Shelia Johnson. EURWeb reports:

Have you taken a look at Oprah's OWN? Naturally some critics are certainly having a good-ol-time cracking on the media mogul's new channel due to the lack of diversity, specifically Black faces.

BET co-founder Sheila Johnson had a mouth full to say about it on NPR's "Tell Me More."

"The only advice that I say, let's open up your circle a little bit more. You know, we love the Dr. Phils. We love the Suze Ormans. Let's open up. There are other people. And there's also African-American experts out there that I think she should start bringing on her show that can reach even a wider audience."

Host, Michel Martin commented about the Whiteness on the programming and lack of diversity is a bit confusing to some.

"No. Yes," replied Johnson. "And I think she really should do that and not be afraid to do it. There's really a lot of great experts out there that really know the businesses at hand. And I'd like to see her open up her circle to do that."


While that makes perfect sense, this is interesting coming from a woman who made her fortune by displaying the most narrow slice of black life in America in the most raucous manner possible. Yet, it's impossible to knock Shelia Johnson and her ex-husband Bob for what they did. This dynamic duo tried to offer diverse programming when BET was founded, but quickly found that the news and educational programming (that the black community knows it needs) could not keep the lights on at the company during its fledgling stages. In the end, the Johnsons had to give the public what it wanted, even if it did not represent the true diversity of African American experiences. Hence a channel of rap music and infomercials.

Sure, OWN might not offer racial diversity, but in the end Oprah Winfrey has to stay true to what has made her an empowering brand for millions. Her selection of experts who have been a huge hit on her eponymous show is an obvious first step in that direction. Rather than criticizing Oprah, perhaps Shelia Johnson might sympathize with the tough choices Winfrey has to make in order to play to her crowd. Perhaps when OWN is more established, Oprah might be able to take more risks. Ironically, as BET became a household mainstay, as an organization it took fewer chances -- and then sold to the highest bidder.

To be fair, Shelia Johnson is doing amazing things with the money she earned peddling booty-shaking videos. She is working diligently as a philanthropist in support of education, and is a prominent fighter against the spread of AIDS in the black community. But she must know more than anyone that it is much easier to be an idealistic purist when you are out of the media game. Should she cut Oprah some slack?

Or do you think Oprah should be called to task for a lack of diversity on her new OWN network? Leave your comments below!

(via The Root)

 

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