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The Managing Editor position was created when the CNN/US President, Jon Klein, left the network in September of last year. CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton stated that Whitaker would be "responsible for overseeing and integrating news and editorial content across all of CNN's domestic and international networks and digital platforms, and charting long-term editorial strategy for the organization."
"Our aim is to position a strong managing editor, working closely with the head of each CNN network and Web site, to generate reporting and analysis that consistently stands out, sparks conversation and captures the true meaning and relevance of the events in the news," Walton said in a public statement. "Mark is a distinguished journalist and news executive who is experienced in leading large enterprises, and I am pleased that he will help direct our long-term editorial approach and strategy."
"CNN plays an invaluable role in television and digital journalism as a source of non-partisan reporting and analysis, global perspective and groundbreaking documentaries," Whitaker stated on CNN's Web site. "I am excited to be joining Jim and his team in advancing that proud legacy."
CNN should certainly be applauded for being open-minded enough to conclude that a black man is the best person for the job. Whitaker is a distinguished journalist and has won numerous awards in his chosen field. He's a graduate of Harvard University and has worked hard to build a remarkable career. His wife, Alexis Gelber, has also had a distinguished career.
While hiring Whitaker is certainly a great first step, it is yet to be seen if Whitaker is the kind of journalist that will truly represent diversity at the highest levels. I've never met Whitaker, but from what I've read and seen, he certainly looks, speaks, and behaves exactly like the type of black managing editor that would be hired by CNN. There is a consistent theme of hiring by CNN and other networks that can be correlated with the Barack Obama phenomenon: The selection of light-skinned, racially-neutral African Americans who fit well within the establishment. Soledad O'Brien, TJ Holmes and Don Lemon are perfect examples on CNN. In fact, Soledad, TJ, Don and Mark could all be siblings of Barack Obama, but none of us would believe they have the same father as Michelle, the first lady.
This is not, in any way, to argue that these individuals don't represent the essence of blackness, or that coming from Harvard strips you of your "brother card." Highly educated black Americans are as much a part of the black experience as anyone else, and they deserve the chance to represent their own version of racial progress. At the same time, one must speak directly with networks to question why Barack Obama clones are being considered for certain opportunities, while those who look like Wesley Snipes are not.
There is also the broader question regarding when and if CNN will ever consider allowing an African American to host one of their branded night time shows. While millions of dollars are invested in personalities such as Nancy Grace, Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer, there is not one single African American hosting any major branded show on any of the three major cable news networks. Perhaps this can be the first line of business for Mark Whitaker as he settles into his new position. It's a wee bit awkward that the only time CNN has allowed a black man to host a branded show in recent history was with the selection of comedian DL Hughley, who was forced off the air after public outrage from the African American community.
All the while, as we have a right to have our own expectations of Mark Whitaker and others who are given access to high profile positions, we must remain cognizant of the fact that his job is not to be CNN's resident black man. He has a world to serve with valuable news content, and thus should be given the leverage of doing his job well without carrying the weight of the entire community on his back. Similarly, African Americans must keep in mind that black faces in high places don't always represent progress, and I encourage others to study Whitaker's background to make an assessment of what he brings to the table.
The selection of Whitaker to this important position is certainly a step in the right direction. But when it comes to media access and opportunities within journalism, people of color are still getting the short end of the stick. The road to true diversity is not a simple or easy path, and it will take serious corporate courage to break the stronghold of racial inequality.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.