Huffington Post Launches New African-American Section with BET's Sheila Johnson
The Huffington Post is partnering with BET co-founder Sheila Johnson to launch a new African-American section called “HuffPost GlobalBlack”–“a new online platform offering news, politics, culture, opinion, and video through the lens of the black experience,” according to the press release. HuffPo has been under fire as of late from the likes of the Maynard Institute‘s Richard Prince among others, for the lack of diversity among its paid staff. Nice to see the site making inroads into a more all-inclusive world-view.
“HuffPost GlobalBlack” is scheduled to make its debut in March, and will be followed by a Latino section later this year.
Previously on Fishbowl LA: The Huffington Post Is Awfully Pale–But Don’t Ask Them About It
Press release after the jump:
New York, NY — January 20 — The Huffington Post (“HuffPost”), a leading social news and opinion site, and Sheila Johnson, entrepreneur and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), today announced their plans to launch “HuffPost GlobalBlack,” a new online platform offering news, politics, culture, opinion, and video through the lens of the black experience.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Sheila Johnson, a true media visionary, on creating what we hope will become a go-to destination for both the African-American community and everyone who cares about these deeply important issues — in America and across the world,” said Arianna Huffington. “HuffPost GlobalBlack will synthesize Sheila’s insights and perspectives on culture and media, and HuffPost’s unique blend of real-time social news and engagement. This a two-way partnership, with HuffPost GlobalBlack content and vision informing all of HuffPost’s coverage, and HuffPost’s editorial and reporting team covering stories shaping the black community.”
Said Sheila Johnson: “The Huffington Post is at the center of social news: the idea that people want to engage in the news and opinion of the day and not just consume them. The Huffington Post is the ideal partner for us to create a thriving online black community of scale, a forum for ideas and discussion meant to inform, engage, surprise and entertain.”
HuffPost GlobalBlack will focus on current events and cultural trends from a black perspective from across the globe — from politics and economics to music and sports — and will feature content ranging from dynamic storytelling to investigative reporting. The section will feature culturally and topically relevant news and views, information, exclusive interviews, compelling original and curated content, and a group blog with leading thinkers, newsmakers, personalities and provocateurs. HuffPost GlobalBlack will serve as both destination and viral launching pad for web and mobile users.
Derek J. Murphy, former SVP, Business Development of The Huffington Post, will be COO of the venture and will manage overall business operations, including sales and marketing, strategic partnerships, and business development. Said Murphy: “I’m thrilled to join forces with Sheila, Arianna and the rest of the HuffPost team on this exciting new venture. In addition to building a loyal user base, we will offer a variety of media and marketing services, and a wide range of opportunities for advertisers, sponsors and business partners.”
