The Root returns to Black ownership. Here's how Ashley Allison is reimagining it

"Black-owned media outlets are grappling with the same financial headwinds affecting much of journalism including declining ad revenue, uncertain digital business models and the challenge of connecting with audiences through video. But their obstacles are also distinct. While Black Americans are among the country's most engaged news consumers, they make up a smaller share of the U.S. population and often have less disposable income to spend on media subscriptions. Those pressures have pushed several Black-owned outlets to scale back, fold or reinvent themselves."

"Ashley Allison hopes to reimagine that space. A Democratic political strategist and CNN commentator, Allison is the founder of Watering Hole Media, the company that recently acquired the digital media outlet The Root from G/O Media. The acquisition marks the online magazine's return to Black ownership for the first time in years. The terms of the deal were not disclosed."

Black-owned media outlets face the same financial headwinds as much of journalism, including declining ad revenue, uncertain digital business models, and difficulty connecting audiences through video. Black Americans are highly engaged news consumers but represent a smaller share of the U.S. population and often have less disposable income for subscriptions. These pressures have forced several Black-owned outlets to scale back, fold, or reinvent themselves. Watering Hole Media acquired The Root from G/O Media, returning the outlet to Black ownership. The acquisition occurs amid efforts to reimagine digital storytelling and rebuild sustainable business models.

Read at www.npr.org