Dr. Boyce Watkins; Why Did Black Journalist Tony Harris Leave CNN?

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(ThyBlackMan.com) Another one bites the dust. Tony Harris, arguably the most talented black correspondent with CNN, has left for Al Jazeera English. The Al Jazeera network reports on news in the Middle East and serves a large audience, mostly in that region of the world. Harris spent six years with CNN before announcing his departure.

Harris is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, with experience on HBO and Entertainment Tonight. Right before starting his first day at the new job, Harris said this:

“I’m really pleased to have joined. Having an interest in news from around the world, I was attracted by AJE’s global focus and look forward to being involved in stories from all points of the globe. It’s a very exciting time to be coming on board.”

My quick thoughts:

1) Why did they let him go? CNN seems to have a diversity problem, given that none of their well-branded nightly news shows have an African American host. Tony Harris would have been great to fill this void.

2) I wish Tony Harris the best: I was on the air with Harris and Michael Eric Dyson at one point, and found him to be a decent brother (yes, I don’t use the word “brother” lightly). Not sure if I’d say the same about Don Lemon, but I’ve only interacted with Lemmon on the air one time as well.

3) As the recent events within the National Association of Black Journalists imply, black reporters like Harris tend to get the short end of the stick. I hope that the new black media outlets that grow from the Comcast/NBC merger help to create opportunities for talented media personalities within this field. I wouldn’t be surprised if Harris felt compelled to go to an international network to get the opportunities he may never have received from CNN. But then again, they may have just offered him more money.

4) Media is incredibly powerful in shaping the minds of black children. Therefore, we should do all that is in our power to ensure that television becomes more diversified. Conscientious black journalists are critical to sharing a message that positively reflects on the events that transpire within our community. Harris is one of those people.

Staff Writer; Dr. Boyce Watkins

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. For more information, please visit http://BoyceWatkins.com.

eric says:

November 24, 2014 at 6:41 pm

There is NO doubt, after watching Harris today whine about how Officer Wilson must be tried for murder, that he is no journalist. Journalist’s are objective when reporting and Harris is the antithesis of objectivity. Very disappointing that Aljazeera keeps him on the air……..

James Davis says:

December 15, 2011 at 6:28 pm

What is important is we have caring and responsible journalists present in influential positions in newsrooms around world where stories are shaped and originated about African Americans to insure their authenticity. This is a most worthy endeavor. http://www.sslumpsum.com

carole says:

June 11, 2011 at 3:15 pm

Frankly, I’m thrilled to death that cnn got rid of tony harris. I got tired of his “little dance” before his show in the afternoon. If he wants to dance, he should be on Dancing with the Stars! By the way, CNN out to think seriously about firing the two “bimbos” with Ali Velshi in the morning……If their skirts get any shorter, we’ll see the color of their underwear! Seriously, does it take three people to read the news?

Marie Williams says:

May 12, 2011 at 8:45 am

I agree, that this is a nation, so let us do business as a nation, such as our hiring practices.

Marie Williams says:

May 12, 2011 at 8:30 am

CNN, I am very unhappy regarding the fact that Tony Harris is no longer with CNN. I travel back and forth to New york. I did missed Tony, but I thought his time had been changed. Today I looked further, only to find Tony is not with CNN. I miss him very much. I am a senior now 70, and I am upset. As I look at CNN, I see few black male anchors, and I see there are less now than what CNN had in the past. I don’t see any black exercutives. What is going on.

cedric says:

April 15, 2011 at 11:51 pm

Please, can we stop the complaining about another African not being on CNN. Do we not have all the Black National Associations we need? Can you say be Independent? We are a Nation, so lets do business.

Tar says:

April 14, 2011 at 2:20 pm

He’s better off at Al-Jazeera. CNN is infotainment. Al-Jazeera is more serious. He is broadening his horizons.

Sdoug says:

April 14, 2011 at 10:32 am

Now that is sad! Although I like CNN, it continues to become less diverse and the loss of minority talent is a cause for concern. I hope they will reevalute their strengthens and weaknesses.