Feb 19, 2025

Question of the Day [Black History Month]: What Black-owned media company became the first to be publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange?

Who controls the media—and why does it matter who’s telling the story?

Answer: Black Entertainment Television (BET)

 

Questions:

  • What challenges do you think Black entrepreneurs might face when trying to grow a media company?
  • How might having more diverse media ownership change what we see on TV, in movies, or in the news?
  • How do modern platforms like YouTube and TikTok compare to traditional media in providing opportunities for Black creators and entrepreneurs?

 

Here are the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom

 

Behind the numbers (Britannica): 

In 1991, BET became the first Black-controlled company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. BET thrived in the 1990s, adding more cable channels and expanding its reach through new film and publishing divisions, music channels, and a website. Viewership expanded along with the product line, while major media companies began to invest in the growing network.

 
 

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About the Author

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.

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