While radio does not remain the primary source for news media today, it is certainly a large part of the media. There are twelve thousand radio stations in America, with at least eighty distinct formats. There is still a gap in equal representation for racial and ethnic minorities on the radio, and in the news media. For example, eight-eight percent of hosts and news anchors on radio shows that are featured during peak listener hours are White, even on radio shows that are specifically aimed at nonwhite listeners. "The dominance of white, male voices contrasts with public radio's professed mission of inclusiveness, especially when considering the diversity of the metropolitan areas the stations serve." (Creely) Even more disturbing is that many radio personalities reporting entertainment or news will put on a type of radio Blackface; speaking in a false urban-type accent is common for both White and nonwhite radio personalities. This is supposedly to appeal to the listening needs of the Black community, but many people speculate it is an attempt to keep the races divided. Black listeners of Amos and Andy understood that the dialect and behavior of the characters was unrealistic and outright offensive, while many radio listeners today believe that the news media has become unbiased. Therefore, believing that the successful news reporters on the radio that are using an exaggerated dialect are role models for the ideal Black American, these mannerisms will be adopted by large segments of the population.

According to one experienced reporter, "Of course, how well - or how poorly, if you prefer - journalists deal with sensitive issues of race, ethnicity and religion depends on one's perspective. But all agree that there is room for improvement." (Rifkin) This is undoubtedly the case. The way in which ethnic and racial issues are covered by the media is skewed. The news media, as well as the entertainment aspects of the media, have an agenda to get ratings. This means that morality and social justice are often curbed in order to bring in the most money. "News gathering, to be sure, is a highly imperfect art, and problems with basic facts, not to mention nuances, are common. But when you are talking about conflicts that are at their root racial, ethnic or religious, the stakes are higher. This is the stuff riots, wars and deep-seated prejudices are made of, and the news media has an even greater responsibility than it normally does to get it right." (Rifkin) Since 9/11 and the introduction of the so-called War on Terror, it is even more dangerous that the media continues to fling racial and ethnic issues around carelessly.

The news media is the primary source for information about public affairs and agenda for most Americans, which means that it is in a place of particular power to influence people t

Some common words found in the essay are:
Amos Andy, Events Law, Entman Rojecki, American Latino, , Blackface Minstrelsy, African Americans, Vaudio Nachman, Blacks Nachman, Louis Farrakhan, racial ethnic, ethnic minorities, radio listeners, race ethnicity, amos andy, latino children, racial ethnic minorities, local broadcasts, children murder, american culture, ethnic racial,
Approximate Word count = 1914
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)