CNN (part of Time Warner) is the #1 cable news network. Millions of Americans watch their shows, listen to their podcasts and read their news feeds to learn about the breaking news in politics and culture. In the 24 hours in a day during the week, only 1 hour is hosted by a black anchor. One. That’s it. Mr. Don Lemon. While we appreciate his black perspective on each story and him expressing his opinions every night @ 10pm (when most of us are getting ready for bed for work or school in the morning...), this is not enough and not acceptable.

Don't let CNN fool you. They will go and tell you "We do have black anchors and journalists." Yes, this is correct. However, it's on the weekend. Or they are sent to "on location" to brief the white anchor host for a 2 minute segment. Or get a one time random primetime special on <insert black topic here>. There are many talented black journalists on their team including Fredricka Whitfield, Victor Blackwell, Sara Sidner, Omar Jimenez, Van Jones, Laura Coates, Melissa Knowles and Toluse "Tolu" Olorunnipa! However, we are being denied to hear their black voices on many issues throughout the week. How can we expect to change the minds and opinions of White America to help fix systemic racism if only white news anchors are speaking to them? After George Floyd tragic death, the #BlackLivesMatter message is spreading across the world and their message is finally getting through. We must allow and need black anchors to dive deep and tell their stories and experiences with this new racial revolution which has been needed for over 50 years!!!

CNN: You have the responsibility to allow your Black and other minority journalists to become mainstream news anchors DURING THE WEEK AND DURING THE DAY to reflect and honor the racial diversity of our country. With this petition, Hear Us See Us and #BlackTwitter are demanding CNN and Time Warner to take the following actions to fight racism by the end of the Summer 2020: 

1. 50% of the WEEKDAY LINEUP (no more weekends or 6am slots only to check a box) needs to be hosted by a person of color

2.  Promote Fredricka Whitfield, Victor Blackwell, Sara Sidner, Omar Jimenez, Van Jones, Laura Coates, Melissa Knowles and/or Toluse "Tolu" Olorunnipa to the highly-rated MONDAY-FRIDAY slots between 9AM-10PM so we may hear their black voices and perspective on a range of issues and breaking news (Again we love Don @ 10PM, but we need more voices!)

3.  Switch some of your white news anchors to the weekend to allow room for black anchors to shine and share their voices (I'm sure many would love to volunteer to help promote the racial equality they always say we need...)

4. Feature more minority guests to speak on a wide range of issues (not just race and criminal justice). Black people are also knowledgeable on topics such as the economy, environment, health, entertainment and technology

Black America deserves real change starting with the Mainstream Media (aka CNN) where 90% of conversation topics we discuss with family, friends, and strangers are started from their news coverage. Please sign the petition and pledge to encourage CNN to make this change now. We want to HEAR US and SEE US on TELEVISION.

#HearUsSeeUs #BlackTwitter #BlackLivesMatter #BlackAnchorsMatter