Illuminating My Path: "Comparing Text of Mass Media and Society, Media Man and the Billon Dollar BET"


I feel a little more knowledgeable about Mass Media and its affects on society. I especially realized this semester that it is very much concentrated and controlled by a small number of people. However, that is not just to say that society in itself does not influence media as well. I believe that both contribute to one another, however there are a limited number of people who have been able to monopolize on the industry and in doing so have become big players and very wealthy because of their ability to navigate through the industry.

Mass Media and Society, Media Man and the Billion Dollar BET. All very good text to read and they all shared one common thread. The major companies and the heads of those companies involved in the media industry, the affects of media on the society, and society on the media product. People such as, Sumner Redstone, John Malone, Gerald Levine, Bob Pittman, Steve Case, and Richard Parson were all mentioned in one way or another in Media Man and BDBET.

Both Media Man and Billion Dollar BET examine the lives of two men and their beginnings in the media industry, Ted Turner and Bob Johnson. Although they come from very different backgrounds they both shared the same success in operating their own television networks.

The text took us behind the scenes to look at an in-depth study of how the influences of media and certain ideologies are introduced into society. Mass Media discussed the economics, ideologies, ownerships and what drives the content of media, etc while also illustrating how the large companies and their management mentioned throughout which MM and BDBET fit into the scope of things. The Mass Media text showed how ownership of media is usually horizontal integration which is when a company purchases across media products, or vertical integration which is when a company acquires one type of media product.

For example, a publisher of books might also purchase a printing press, or bookstore, all the contents for publishing and sales of books would be vertical integration. Where as a company that is a horizontally integrated might acquire, a book, and promote through their own movie company, the soundtrack for the movie might be promoted by the music company they acquired, etc.

MMS text also pointed out how mass media is profit driven industry, the bottom-line is what makes money. An example of this can be seen in how television shows are often duplicated. What succeeds on one television network is often duplicated on another. For instance, the reality show the Swan was created after the long running success of Extreme Makeover.

For Bob Johnson videos were the niche for BET, and so it became the prevailing product in the end. For Ted Turner, it was CNN news. For one, Ted Turner content was important, because he felt the major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC content was lacking a positive moral standing, however for Bob Johnson low cost and high profits were very much his focus.

As it relates to ownership, after reading all the text I have concluded that much of the industry is own by a few wealthy larger companies which are influencing the masses through television, radio, books and movies.

DR. TREVY A. MCDONALD

All I can say after reading a little about her and having met her on Monday during class is WOW! She has accomplished so much and she started very young. She recapped a little about her life and how she had received her Phd at age 25. All she knew at the time was that she wanted to teach. She had not planned on establishing her own publishing company.

She is obviously a person of who is able to maintain focus, well-disciplined and of great determination. I was particularly glad that she was strong in her faith and did not exclude giving God the glory.

As the owner of the publishing company “Reyomi” which is taking from the scripture Romans 12:2. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

She wrote her first book after receiving a book from her father entitled “The weekend Novelist” by Robert Ray. Her publishing company originally stationed in Chicago has just recently opened a sister company in North Carolina where she invited students in our class to intern with her. We looked at her website at www.howwegotover.org that provides information about her publishing company, books that are available and how to contact her. The book entitled “How We Got Over” includes personal testimonies of faith, hope and courage from many sources.

Dr. McDonald also encouraged us to read a book entitled “Think and Grow Rich,” by Napolean Hill for which she states, “the one chapter that greatly influence her was, The Master Mind.” It sounded interesting so I looked up what I could about the book online and found that it is noted as one of the greatest books of all times and listed as a motivational book that discusses 13 principles as keys to being success. Some of the principles discussed include desire, auto-suggestion, faith and persistence which one must possess in order to succeed in their goals. The text also discusses overcoming fears.


She gave us 3 of her own personal principles that have helped her to become successful, which include:

1) Faith – which she said “strengthens your soul”
2) Focus –Frequent Optimism Causes Unbelievable Success, which spells FOCUS that guides your soul
3) Fun –Fun refreshes your soul




Peace, Vanessa

Tamara Gibbs visit was a pleasant surprise. I have watched her often on the weekends. So the opportunity to listen and learn from her was indeed a treat. I like that she shared many of her personal stories, decisions and challenges with us about pursuing her career path. She was real about the business of news reporting and what could possibly happened as for as employment. There are no guarantees in any job field so I could agree with her that we should have a back up plan as well as be hungry to learn. Another true statement that she made that I could definitely agree was that we are life learners. People must always maintain a teachable spirit. You never know who will enlighten your path that will help take you to the next level.

In her experience she said that she had learned courage, confidence and commitment which Michael Eric Dyson speech also emphasized to the graduating class of fall 2005.

She said that her first experience was in broadcast, for which she stated was a good experience because she did not have to be concerned as much about the superficial such as appearance. Broadcast she said help to develop writing and vocal skills. I never considered this factor while doing the radio show that it really does help you to be more conscious about what you are saying and how you are speaking.

On her second job she said that she was an assignment editor for which her primary responsibility was typing up the news assignments. It helped prepare her for what she does today because in her experience she had to figure out what news to cover and how to put together stories.

When I look at my current job responsibilities and past experiences I can relate to what she was saying. My experience has help me in many ways develop and enhance writing and verbal skills. Ms. Gibbs gave us two book titles that would help us to build better resumes and cover letters. Resume's that knock'em dead and cover letters that knock'em dead.




She was very generous in her willingness to allow us to use her name to make contact with others at the news station WTVD 11 for which she is a weekend report. For this I am very appreciative. Even though I may not utilize this particular information personally it told me that she was a person of action. She was liberal in sharing information about internships in which she encouraged all of us to participate in as many as possible before graduating. A comment that Mr. Alexander made to us during his visit to our class.

Her lecture re-emphasized much of what our other visitors and video speeches were discussing. To me that is to get up with a purpose to live your dream. Take advantage of as many opportunities that are given to you. Utilize all the resources at your disposal.

Peace, V

Dr. Calvin Mackie
An Engineer
Birth Place: New Orleans
NCCU Founders Day Keynote Speaker, January 16, 2004

I appreciated and could relate to the opening of his speech, where he emphasized the word “thank you.” He was absolutely right on that not many in the generation today use this word. It like somewhere between the 80s and 90s our young people have lost the value in these two words.

His refection on his visit to Africa and the first trading center located in Ghana was a walk down the path of history that reminded me of those who were kidnapped and/or sold into slavery, suffering the pain of separation from family, homeland and for some death. I thought about some of the stories and photos I have read and seen about the slave trade and how black men and women were reduce to nothing more than chattel to be sold at auction in the Americas.

I believe that we do owe much respect to those who loss their freedom and dignity to inhumane treatment and we should never forget the price that was paid that I might enjoy some of the freedoms that I have. It is really a travesty to see some of the kids forfeiting their rights to an education.

He spoke about himself, “not being a role mode but a real model.” Someone that people can relate too. So often people are not trasparent which causes a problem for some but I think he was trying to let the graduates know to live a life for which others can learn and see that they to can live their dreams. In essence, don't play a role, be real with yourself and others.

Very thoughtful comparison of the lion and the gazelle. He described the reason that the lion rises up early is with purpose and it is to run in hopes of catching the gazelle because he knows that if he doesn't he will starve. The gazelle also rises early with a purpose and that is to out run the lion because it knows that it will be eaten if it is caught. He told the graduates to “wake up running.” What this statement meant to me is that each day we should get up with the attitude to run to the best of our ability towards our goals.

He shared a similar story to describe how we might interact with other people we are sure to encounter. He used a cheetah to represent the graduates and a lion as a symbol of the unseen foes in our lives that sole purpose is to destroy or kill the dream of the person. He was telling them to be aware of their association. Not everyone that is of your race is your friend and not everyone of a different race is your enemy is what he also emphasized.

I like that he shared his own personal testimony about growing up in New Orleans, he spoke about the odds against him going to college because of his grades. He also shared the story about the loss of his mother and how it affected him and his siblings. He recalled that he and his siblings did not allow their mother’s death to deter them moving forward. I could relate to what he was saying because I was right in the middle of a semester when my mother died. She also died at home, and much like Dr. Macky, I knew that my mother would want me to stay focus and finish school. Ultimately, I understood that with all the naysayers that I have had in my life, it doesn’t matter about the sharks, lions, or whatever the roadblock. What matters is that I get up with the attitude and the determination to finish what I have started.

I look forward to hearing the remaining part of his speech.

Peace, V

Michael Eric Dyson

His speech to the fall 2005 graduates at N.C. Central was Great! It was informative, inspiring, humorous and thought-provoking. He told the graduating class to remember those who had labored and sacrificed for them to have the opportunity. He admonished the crowd not to forget others but to help. In other words, don’t just get yours. Obtaining your degree is not a license for a person to go out and just accumulate wealth without giving back to the community that produced you. He quoted one of my favorite Bible verses, Luke 12:48 Too whom much is given much is required.”

“We are not history less,” he said in reference to African-Americans. However, we should remember the history that produced you. “Do not rest on our own laurels but those who produced you and those who are coming behind you,” he said.

One of the key points he illustrates in his speech and that was briefly mentioned in class was that social and economic disparities are not just limited to the black community. There are issues in every race, it just happens that the black community is held to closer scrutiny.

He encouraged the graduates to use their creativity, to be courageous and take risk. Life is a risk, no man lives on an island to himself, and the only way to live is to step out and take a chance. Also, we cannot go out into the world viewing life with myopic vision... Narrow-minded thinking which will always limit the possibilities in a person life because they place restrictions on their ability to learn and experience life. It also blocks other from contribute to your life in someway. Life is filled with both rain and sunshine. Each element helps the individual to grow.

He also told the graduates not to become a “safe negro, “take a stand and help somebody.”

He encouraged them to learn to use what God gave them. “Do not close the door behind you. The reality is, we live in a world of Katrina, where poor people were left behind. You must figure out how to build a ladder to help those behind you come up. The government can’t be counted on to rescue them; the hurricane showed that.”

To me, part of taking that stand is to speak out against social and economic injustice. Becoming socially conscious and has he said in his intro, by being committed, creative and courageous!

As stated in my opening… Great speech!

Peace, V

Beyond The Bling

This documentary was well done. I believe that it captured the essence of what is referred to as bling which in the hip hop community is showy jewelry that pretty much announces to the world that you have arrived. The film poses a serious question for blingers and would-be blingers... At what cost are we willing to obtain precious stones such as diamonds?

Does the possibility that the bling you wear has been produced from the blood, sweat and tears of Africans change your perspective?

The film examines a dark side of how diamonds are mined and the suffering that many Africans endure to obtain these precious stones. Best known as "blood diamonds" or "conflict diamonds" the film delved deep into the working conditions and the injuries mine workers incur. Many have lost ears, legs and arms. In one part it tells of a war that was waged in the 1990s by militants in order to gain control over diamond mines in an effort to overthrow the present power. It really captured the heights many are willing to go.

I believe that rap artist such as Common and Kanye West should be commended for the efforts to bring awareness to the hip hop community about the conditions in which some Africans works just to find the bling that many wear.





Our class discussion further help me to understand that the documentary was not really speaking against people wearing or purchasing their bling, rather it was just saying, "be aware of the black market diamonds and when possible avoid contributing to their purchase" which support those who manipulate, take advantage of Africans and put at risk of death and disabling injuries. In short, stop black on black crime.

“Let’s talk Food, Fear and Safety”

What is going on? First terror alerts about Bin Laden, Al Qaeda, Hamas, war, school shootings, and now the food? What do have the ability to do? Instill FEAR! Is there a conspiracy to increase fear in our society? Sometimes I think so. Is it all a coincidence? Will the latest scare about food cause further reduction of civil liberties? What freedoms will we give up now to ensure our safety?

I received an e-mail last week that included a powerpoint presentation. It read, “Can’t eat beef… mad cow disease, Can’t eat chicken… bird flu, Can’t eat eggs… salmonella, Can’t eat pork trichinosis, (I didn’t know what the heck it was until a physician friend of mine told me that it is a parasite found in pigs that can cause severe muscular pain and fever in humans).

Can’t eat fruits and vegetables … insecticides and herbicides. So what can you eat? Chocolate is what the presentation concluded and that I should forward the e-mail or risk OBESITY, yet another (fear) for some people. It was meant as a joke, and quite funny I must add, it stuck with me. It told me one thing that fear is becoming an increasing part of our nation.

Just a couple of weeks ago we had the spinach crisis, last week carrot scare and just this morning lettuce may be dangerous. In my opinion safety is a perceived notion concocted by people who seek to control the masses and their movement. Homeland Security can no more protect me or you than the local police.
Yes, we must have government and police to maintain order, but to blindly put faith in these mediums is naïve. They cannot guarantee safety, if they could there would be no rapes happening every 5 minutes, no abductions, and no murders?

As it relates to food, there are some things beyond our control as it relates to nature, and we are subjected to test, which may in some cases lead to deaths. However, FEAR is not an option. When we see so many reports bombarding us with negative images that instill fear, I remembered an acronym that I learned sometime ago that is perfect for this post. FEAR = F alse, E vidence, A ppearing,R eal. I can’t help but wonder if what we are hearing is all truth or if we/media have been presented with something false to further instill fear within this society.

Fear can have two affect, cause a person to become paralyzed or cause a person to move with haste to avoid the perceived danger. Sure we can create methods in which to secure and prepare people but realistically the promises to ensure safety are futile. We cannot allow ourselves to be lulled into believing safety is sure in every situation.

George Orwell was once quoted as saying… "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."

The truth in my opinion is no one is completely safe. Katrina proved this just by her violent destruction of New Orleans and the some 3,000 or so lives that perished. Those who put there complete faith and devotion in the human protections is already asleep. Only God has this power. There is a season for everything. There is no escaping death. So go on eat your chicken, eat your beef, eat your pork and your veggies!
Peace, Vanessa

Convocation 2006 was excellent this year, we started on time! Dr. Les Brinson, the University announced its official start and Provost Beverly Jones took the podium. She greeted everyone and started the ceremony by announcing the order in which other podium guest would speak. She defined the purpose of occasion as an opportunity to welcome students, faculty and staff back to the university for a new academic year as well as friends and neighbors of NCCU. The universities priority was to student’s success, increase retention and graduation.

Overall the ceremony was positive and without major malfunction. The choir did a great job as usual. The speakers kept it brief and to the point. I was a little disappointed that out of over 8,000 students the gym was not completely overflowing with NCCU students.

There was one remarked I thought we could have done without, and it came from Provost Jones in her introduction of Dr. Ammons. I think she was trying to be humorous, but it backfired. Her remark referring to him as a pilot that as not crashed any planes yet was gross. I believe some could have found the remark offensive in light of the country’s current state of concern for aircraft safety, terrorist, twin towers, etc. Maybe I am being too sensitive… doubt it! The remark was irresponsible and lacked forethought. She seemed a little embarrassed afterward.

I enjoyed Rev. Michael Page’s reflections on Dr. Suzan Cook’s book, “Live like you are Blessed.” She is truly a phenomenal woman of God and eloquent speaker. If you have never heard her speak then you have indeed missed out! I also enjoyed remarks made by Ms. Rebie Coleman, Secretary for Employee Senate. She said of the employee’s purpose that “working together works, and that the employees of NCCU want to ensure that students have a positive experience.” In reference to those who might have encountered a negative experience, she said that it was the exception and not the rule.

Dr. Ammon gave a great speech of motivation, vision and planning for the future of NCCU, but more specific on “Preparing Centennial Class for Success.” For us who will graduate before 2010, he encouraged “you too are important.” He really emphasized preparing students for the Economic future. There are current initiatives that are focused on increasing student’s knowledge in the fields of math and science. He mentioned an increase in funding and support for the school which will enable our school to prepare to train students in biotechnology. Dr. Ammon’s is someone that I appreciate, and respect greatly. I had the opportunity to interview him for an article I wrote involving the Black Enterprise rankings. He is truly is about making a difference in the lives of the students, faculty and staff at N.C. Central. I am honored to call him the Chancellor of my school N.C. Central! Eagle Pride… YEAH!
Shalom! V

Reflections on writing my obituary:

1) I found it strange and considered I might possibly have some superstitious tendencies that I wasn’t aware of. LOL!

2) I have a pre-paid plan for my funeral. However, I had not really considered what people might have to say about me, or what my kids might have to put in the paper. I just last year during my spring semester had to write my mothers obituary, so writing mine was not as difficult, it just brought back memories. I view death differently, as a new beginning rather than an ending. I have already instructed my kids to go on with their life and not place to much emphasis on my death, just to remember the way that I was and the importance of living life to its fullness. Love hard and play hard! I also told them to just tell those in attendance that I loved them, God and did all that I could to make a difference within my immediate community. Too often we want to reach across the ocean to try and change things but don’t have the resources. I have found out that if you really want to make a difference then do so to those within your reach, and perhaps God will enable those you help to reach others you cannot.

Overall, it was a good experience to write my obituary. I kept a copy in my file folder at home with my insurance policy and pre-plan with a note that I had written this sample of my obituary for class. I’m sure when it is time for my kids to open it they will get a big kick out of it… I left a smiley face.

Peace, V

Our visitor on Friday, September 22, 2006 was 71 year old photographer Jim Alexander, a native of New Jersey. He was a very interesting man with lots of energy and a wealth of knowledge about documentary photography as well as African Americans. I appreciated his knowledge and dedication to present African-Americans through documentary photography. A veteran of 40 years, he discussed how his life changed after his service in the navy. He started taking photos in 1952. It was not until the 1960s that he begin to document African-Americans. He is known for documenting, music artist, marches, and rallies.

Mr. Alexander has taught at various colleges such as Atlanta and Clark colleges. He is on campus at NCCU to aid in the start of a jazz institute that he said will exceed that of Rutgers. This is a very exciting opportunity for NCCU.

He encouraged us to utilize the equipment, and areas to gain knowledge while in college. He said that we should take advantage of the internships, radio station, etc to help with developing a resume. “Get what you can while you are in school.” He encouraged the males in class to read Haki R. Madhubuti’s book “Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous?”


I loved the photos on his website. He has photos from B.B. King to Michael Jackson: www.jimalexanderphotography.com

Dr. Emily Gunter visited our class on Wednesday, September 20. She is the founder of "Rites of Passage," and the author of the book entitled Thirteen Golden Keys to Learning: She did an awesome presentation on the 4 levels of knowledge and how to maintain your sense of balance while listening to the news.

1) Un-Conscious incompetent which leads you to ignorance, possibly "evil ignorance" if you are a person who thinks that you cannot be taught anything new.

2) Conscious incompetence is a step toward learning. This person will seek to become more knowledgeable about a subject.

3) Conciously competent is the level in which you take what you are learning and become more competent and have greater understanding

4) Un-Consious competent. "I know, but I don't know how I know it." You study and do the research. It is a spin-off back to level 3 and you become competent.

Overall she explained that we should seek to become what she calls our "genius self," which is the highest level of living. This is done by learning how the right and left brain can work together. She also emphasized knowing who you are, your purpose in life and what you want to do and then do it.

I learned that we should also watch for the energy vampire, which zaps our strength. When we hear the news our "false ego" sets up an illusion which causes us to become unbalanced. What we must remember is that everything is already passed. We should strive to live in the now.

She explained the importance of breathing right. She also shared a technique to increase memory. She explained that the heart, spleen, liver, etc senses are in the hands. And that to increase memory that for a female, we should place our right hand on our heart, then our left hand on top connecting our thumbs and focusing on our breathing when we are trying to recall something to memory. It is directly opposite for males. I thought I would try this technique while studying for my test for today, thus far I must say that it has been quite helpful.

It was a very interesting presentation which left me feeling I wanted to learn more, and so I plan to purchase her book on the 13 golden keys to learning. The focus on breathing correctly reminded me of Tai Chi that also emphasizes breathing right. Til next time!

Peace, V

Like many Americans, I still remember where I was and what I was doing on Sept 11, 2001. Little did I expect to see the towers that morning, but just as I was settling into my office for the day one of the professors I work with came into my office and said, "a plane as just crashed into the twin towers in New York." She asked me to turn on my television and so I did, and opened the door to my office for others to step in. We all stood in awe as the second plane hit the north tower and my heart sank in disbelief. It was a moment in which I felt both fear and sadness. I had friends that worked in lower Manhattan and I could only imagine what they must have been going through on that day.

New York is a place that I visit often. Normally in October around the second week or so I venture to Harlem for revival and often into mid-town around 7th avenue to do a little shopping. The last time I visited was during the month of July for the puerto rican day parade. I remember during my visit in 2000 that I had met briefly with friends at the towers. We were headed to Battery Park to take the ferry over to Liberty Island. As we arrived on the Island I recall looking back and thinking how big the towers were and how awesome the skyline was and now they were gone.

It seems just like yesterday. I just can't forget the sorry and horror I felt for my friends and all those who were at the towers that day.

Carla's presentation on Katrina brought back a flood of emotions that I first felt when I heard of the devastation in New Orleans. I guess over this pass year I have really wanted to forget that it took place, because at times I felt anger, hopeless and betrayed that people were suffering and no one seemed to be doing anything about it. I remembered the stories of about the murders, and rapes of children. The reports of people being stranded on top of roofs and babies being held at the cameras.

One face I will never forget was of a little girl begging for someone to help. All she asked for was water. And all I could do was look at her on the T.V. My heart went out to all the people of New Orleans, and still does. I felt so much for the very young or very old, because their survival is often dependent on others. I have a father that is 97 years old and I could not imagine having to watch him die the way many of the old and young died during the aftermath of Katrina

Carla mentioned the strength of the people. This comment reminded me of Oprah and how she refers to people who have faced great adversity, that the human spirit becomes stronger and determined.

Shalom! Vanessa

I am taking Media and Society fall 2006 semester with Dr. Chambers. I have enrolled in the course in order to learn more about the affects of media on society. I am a journalism major and this course is a part of my requirements.