Black audiences consume more media and TV than any other group, but they want better representation
Despite being the highest share of media consumers, Black individuals in the U.S. and abroad often feel as though they are misrepresented or underrepresented in mainstream media, according to a Nielsen report published Thursday.
Despite being the highest share of media consumers, Black individuals in the U.S. and abroad often feel as though they are misrepresented or underrepresented in mainstream media, according to a Nielsen report published Thursday.
Black Americans regularly outpace the rest of the general U.S. population in terms of media consumption, clocking more than 81 hours per week with media, such as television, radio and the internet. For Black people 65 and older, that figure rises to more than 92 hours each week, according to the report.
Charlene Polite Corley, the vice president of diverse insights and partnerships at Nielsen, told NBC News that consumption of media can be an important source of connection and community for Black Americans, and the report’s findings echo this sentiment.
“When it comes to the media consumption of Black America, it really just means content is key to our culture,” said Polite Corley, who is Black. “‘Have you seen this show? Have you heard this album? Stream this latest hit.’ Those are forms of cultural cachet.”
Black Americans are more likely than the general population to access three or more streaming services, according to Nielsen. Around 73% of Black individuals pay for three or more subscription-based streaming services, compared to 60% of all audiences.
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