The media landscape is constantly shifting, but one thing remains clear: multicultural media outlets are essential. They are the trusted voices in communities, offering cultural fluency that mainstream sources often miss. Yet, these vital enterprises frequently find themselves underfunded, under-supported, and fragmented. For many talented media professionals, the path from a career to ownership seems filled with obstacles.
An upcoming event aims to change that narrative. On October 27, 2025, the “Owning the Game: Demystifying the Business of Media” symposium will convene at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. This pivotal gathering is more than just a conference; it’s a call to action to build a stronger, more connected multicultural media ecosystem. It will bring together media associations, funders, and business leaders to explore how to help diverse media entrepreneurs start, sustain, and scale their ventures.
Why This Event Matters Now
In a world grappling with disinformation, the role of trusted, community-rooted news has never been more critical. Multicultural media outlets are uniquely positioned to engage the “New Majority” with credibility and authenticity. However, they need the right tools, resources, and infrastructure to compete and thrive. The “Owning the Game” symposium is designed to address this gap, focusing on three core pillars: Reach, Revenue, and Relevance.
This event is a unique opportunity for media professionals, entrepreneurs, funders, and industry leaders to join a thoughtful dialogue. The goal is to launch a bold, coalition-led initiative that provides multicultural media owners with the support they need to succeed in a competitive marketplace.
A Day of Insight, Strategy, and Action
The symposium’s schedule is packed with influential speakers and panels designed to tackle the most pressing issues facing multicultural media today. The day will kick off at 8:30 AM with registration and breakfast, followed by a full day of dynamic discussions.
Panel 1: The Economic and Social Imperative
The opening panel, “Strengthening The Multicultural Media Ecosystem,” will explore why investing in multicultural media is a strategic imperative for both the economy and democracy. Leaders from business and philanthropy, including Rick C. Wade of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Shawn Mooring from The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, will share their insights. Moderated by freelance journalist Shanique Liz Yates, this session will frame the conversation around the undeniable influence and potential of diverse news providers.
Panel 2: Paving the Path from Career to Ownership
How can media associations evolve to foster entrepreneurship? This session brings together presidents and leaders from major journalist associations, including Errin Haines of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Nicole Dungca of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), and Dunia Elvir of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). Moderated by Dean Jacqueline Jones of Morgan State University, they will discuss concrete plans to equip members with the tools and resources needed to launch and grow their own media enterprises.
Panel 3: Real Stories from Media Entrepreneurs
Hear directly from those who have successfully built their own platforms. The “How I Built It” panel features candid stories from multicultural media entrepreneurs who have navigated the challenges of starting and monetizing their ventures. Panelists like Angel Livas, Founder & CEO of ALIVE Podcast Network, and Sara Lomax, President and CEO of WURD Radio, will share practical advice on everything from startup strategy to audience building. This session, moderated by Phil Lewis of HuffPost, promises to deliver valuable, real-world lessons.
Panel 4: The Infrastructure for Success
Success requires more than just great content; it demands robust infrastructure. This tactical session focuses on the MMCxchange, a platform designed to empower media owners. David Morgan, Co-founder & President of the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association, will moderate a discussion with media owners like Paris Brown, Publisher of the Baltimore Times, and Kianga J. Moore, Founder of WorldsEdge Media. They will share how the platform helps them produce, distribute, and monetize content on par with larger companies.
A Call to Action for a Stronger Future
The symposium will culminate in a powerful call to action delivered by Delano Massey, Managing Editor of Axios Local. Attendees will be formally invited to join a cross-sector coalition dedicated to implementing the initiative and building the infrastructure needed for long-term success. This coalition of media associations, funders, and entrepreneurs will work together to define shared goals and investment strategies, ensuring accountability and lasting impact.
The “Owning the Game” symposium is more than an event; it’s the start of a movement. It’s an opportunity to be part of a collaborative effort to strengthen the multicultural media ecosystem, fostering a new generation of media owners who are equipped to thrive. If you are a media professional, business leader, funder, or anyone passionate about media equity, this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss.
Join the movement on October 27, 2025, and help build a future where multicultural media not only survives but leads the way in shaping our national discourse.
#MediaEquity #MulticulturalMedia #OwningTheGame
