NABJ Issues Record Five ‘Thumbs Down’ Awards to Stephen A. Smith, CBS News and Others
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) presented a record five 'Thumbs Down' Awards at its annual convention in Atlanta. This award is given to individuals and institutions whose actions are deemed harmful to Black journalists or communities. Among the recipients was ESPN host and YouTube personality Stephen A. Smith, cited for a 'recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media.' Other awardees included CBS News for eliminating its race and culture unit, The Washington Post for cuts impacting Black expertise, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr for pressuring news organizations, and local TV station owner DuJuan McCoy for alleged mistreatment of Black journalists. NABJ President Errin Haines stated that the awards are a call for accountability and progress, not permanent condemnation, and aim to address issues like newsroom contraction, workplace inequities, and the spread of misinformation. 
