In a recent broadcast, St. Louis-based KMOV found itself embroiled in controversy after anchor Cory Stark made a regrettable slip-up by inadvertently using a term considered both outdated and racially insensitive.
The uproar ignited when Stark, during a live segment shedding light on disparities in home appraisals, referred to minority homeowners as “colored homeowners.” The choice of language immediately sparked a firestorm of criticism, with detractors vehemently decrying the term as deeply offensive and racially charged.
Acknowledging the gravity of the misstep, KMOV acted swiftly to issue a formal apology, attributing the incident to a script error. JD Sosnoff, the station’s vice president and general manager, joined Stark in expressing profound regret over the unintended offense caused by the unfortunate choice of words.
While the apologies were forthcoming, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) wasted no time in condemning the slip-up, categorizing the term as “outdated, offensive, and undeniably racist.” The organization emphasized the urgent need to address such incidents, particularly in a city as diverse as St. Louis, where a significant segment of the population is African American.
Despite the uproar, voices of support have emerged, including John Bowman, president of the St. Louis County NAACP. Bowman, while acknowledging the mistake, emphasized that he did not perceive any ill intent on Stark’s part.
This incident has sparked renewed conversations about the importance of sensitivity and cultural awareness in journalism, especially when navigating topics as complex and sensitive as race and ethnicity. The NABJ’s call for comprehensive retraining and increased diversity within KMOV’s staff serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for media organizations to authentically reflect and serve the diverse communities they represent.
As discussions surrounding this incident continue to unfold, it underscores the enduring struggle for equality and equitable representation in both media coverage and broader societal interactions. The incident serves as a clarion call for heightened vigilance and a commitment to fostering inclusivity in all aspects of journalism and beyond.
