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Dawn Porter is set to direct a feature documentary on pioneering Black TV news anchor Max Robinson for Wise Child Studios. CNN anchor Victor Blackwell is among the producers.
“Color Bars: The Story of the Black Journalist
Who Broke the TV News Color Barrier” will recount the rise and fall of Robinson’s career in broadcast news for Wise Child Studios. Porter, known for her much-praised docus including 2020’s “John Lews: Good Trouble” and 2018’s “Bobby Kennedy for President,’ will produce through her Trilogy Films banner. Blackwell, who anchors “CNN This Morning Weekend” and hosts the weekly series “First of All with Victor Blackwell,” will produce through is Fresh Fruit Films.
“Max Robinson was an exceptional journalist by any standard, and he deserves to have a firm place in the history of American journalism,” said Jason Beekman, founder and CEO of Wise Child Studios. “He courageously broke barriers in front of a national TV audience while facing the incredible pressure of simply doing his job. We’re proud to bring his life and legacy to a wider audience, and thrilled to have Dawn Porter’s vision guiding the film.”
Robinson came on to the national scene in the late 1970s as an anchor for ABC News. He gained prominence as an anchor for the NBC and CBS affiliate stations in Washington, D.C. In 1978, Robinson made history by joining ABC News’ national anchor team. He was a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists in 1975. But Robinson’s tenure at ABC News was short-lived as he struggled with alcohol abuse. He died of complications from AIDS in December 1988 at age 49.
Robinson is an inspiring figure to a generation of journalists and media business insiders.
“I remember watching Max Robinson on television — he was one of the very few Black people on the evening news,” Porter said. “Later I joined ABC News and people still spoke about his impact on the newsroom. At a time when truth and courage in journalism are under assault, everyone should know the Max Robinson story.”
Blackwell equated Robinson’s impact to that of Sidney Poitier, Thurgood Marshall and Jackie Robinson.
“Max Robinson is my Sidney Poitier. He’s my Thurgood Marshall, my Jackie Robinson,” Blackwell said. “In our current media landscape and social climate, Max’s life and career are more relevant than ever. I’m excited and honored that Dawn has joined the team to tell his remarkable story.”
Wise Child Studios was formed in 2023 to develop and package a range of original content. Beekman is a former head of business and legal affairs for RadicalMedia. Wise Child’s investigative docuseries “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” debuted on Netflix earlier this year. Other projects include the 2025 feature documentary “Asco: Without Permission”alongside Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal.”
