The Fourth Estate: Access Matters

Journalism variations [READER]( There were two big events in local journalism last week, and both were pretty ugly. First, and most cataclysmic, was the apparently confirmed sale of the Chicago Tribune (and sister papers) to hedge fund Alden Capital. Alden’s history of vulture capitalism applied to media entities is legend—including at the Tribune. Assets come first, journalists last. The Tribune’s staff is rightfully worried. The second story involved a move by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to only be interviewed by Black and Brown journalists for her two-year-anniversary publicity tour. This was a cynical reprobation of a majority-white media corps that follows her. Even cynics can be right twice a day, and in this case, it opened surface wounds in our media ecosystem. Those who have access daily were offended by those who almost never have access being selected for interviews. NBC anchor Mary Ann Ahern’s response was the worst. It was bad by itself, but it came from someone who has probably more access than any other local journalist. She acted the victim [“Does [Lightfoot] think I’m a racist?”]( and even joked that “all reporters matter.” That’s not funny, and sounds even worse when you know that her husband is in communications for the Chicago Police Department. Meanwhile, The Triibe was one of the outlets given access, and they ran with it. Bella BAHHS was the reporter, and her [resulting story]( was among the best I’ve seen, digging into complexities facing this city. And to top it off, The Triibe’s Morgan Elise Johnson (publisher) and Tiffany Walden (editor-in-chief) [published an essay]( that fully explained the nuance of this story, and the racism they are up against daily. Some mainstream media reporters, both those from Chicago and those new here, often have this strange veneer, one that sets them above the rest of the media, intentionally ignorant of the diverse ecosystem of reporters and publishers doing work every day that is authentic and critical. There are more than 100 community and ethnic media outlets in this city, from legacy media such as the Hyde Park Herald and La Raza, to newer media including The Triibe and South Side Weekly. Sixty-eight of these are members of the Chicago Independent Media Alliance, launched by the Chicago Reader in 2019. When we ran a joint fundraiser last year, we heard some mainstream reporters marvel at just how many other media there are. This should not be a shock, but it is, because little attention is paid to the important work of independent media. When you see the debacle that is Alden Capital, you realize just how important those independent media are. We’re in the middle of a joint fundraiser for 43 of those outlets. See [www.savechicagomedia.org]( to find out how you can donate to all, or individual CIMA members. Including the Chicago Reader. Proudly independent. Co-publisher Wear a mask please! For more details on the Reader, see [www.chicagoreader.com]( and for ways to support, see [www.chicagoreader.com/support](. [CJFC brings indie Japanese films to the midwest]( The Chicago Japan Film Collective highlights the country’s lesser-known cinematic works. By [Nina Li Coomes]( [@nlcoomes]( [Accidental Shakespeare Zooms in on a queer pandemic-era Romeo and Juliet]( Director Iris Sowlat uses social isolation as a framework for the lovers; plus PARA.MAR Dance Theatre offers live classes and performances with THAWEN. By [Kerry Reid]( [@kerryreid]( [Chicago rapper Sage, the 64th Wonder shows he’s still got gas in the tank with Hierophant]( By [Leor Galil]( [@imLeor]( [Chicago rapper Smba rebuilds pop punk into uplifting rap]( By [Leor Galil]( [@imLeor]( [Tuareg guitar group Les Filles de Illighadad lock into their groove as a touring band]( By [Bill Meyer]( [Issue of May 13-26, 2021 Vol. 50, No. 17]( [Download Issue]( (PDF) 1971 Chicagoans have relied on the Reader for trusted alternative coverage of our city. The Chicago Reader is now a 501c3 nonprofit organization which means our survival is in your hands. In order to continue to be your trusted alternative voice of Chicago, we need your help. If you can donate just $5 today, we can show the world that community funded, independent journalism is the future. [DONATE TODAY!]( [View this e-mail as a web page]( [@chicago_reader]( [/chicagoreader]( [@chicago_reader]( [Chicago Reader on LinkedIn]( [/chicagoreader]( [chicagoreader.com]( [Forward this e-mail to a friend](. Want to change how you receive these e-mails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](. Copyright © 2021 Chicago Reader, All rights reserved. You are receiving this e-mail as an opted-in subscriber via our website, Facebook, or event to one or more of our newsletters, memberships, or e-mail lists. Our mailing address is: Chicago Reader 2930 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 102Chicago, IL 60616 [Add us to your address book](