A very disturbing article appeared in Saturday’s Orlando Sentinel under the headline “Black Owned Media Tell GOP that Money Talks.” The essence of the story boils down to two key issues. The first issue—that the GOP wants to obtain more influence with black-owned media is not in and of itself a bad thing. The second issue—that the media outlets want the Republican Party to spend more money on advertising is also, in and of itself, not a problem. The issue lies in linking the two in a quid pro quo kind of deal. It reads something like, if the party indeed spends more money on advertising, then the media might be inclined to slant news or even editorial opinion in their favor.  

This is astonishing, not only for the suggestion that an advertiser, whoever it is, can influence news and/or editorial coverage because it is an advertiser, but that both the media and the GOP seem to believe that this is an acceptable way of doing business.  

If the Republican Party of Florida wants to deliver its unfiltered and unaltered messages to the black community, then BUY media that delivers messages to the black community.  That’s what advertising is for. But don’t expect to buy good news or a supportive editorial. News coverage should be objectively reported.  

If they want favorable editorial or opinion, then meet the expectations of the opinion writers on the basis of political positions, not on a “play for pay” basis.  If this deal takes hold, consider it a corrupting practice on the part of both the party and the media.