*Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wants a stronger, more lasting relationship with Black media outlets as the city prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Following a recent Black media breakfast and roundtable, the mayor’s office says its outreach is intended to go beyond occasional press conferences and ceremonial gatherings.
In written responses provided to EURweb following an internal review by City Hall staff, Mayor Bass’s office outlined plans for continued access to the administration, more opportunities for community-focused reporting and greater involvement in major Los Angeles events.
The administration also wants Black journalists and publishers to help identify issues affecting Black Angelenos, rather than simply receive announcements about city programs.
The message from City Hall: Black media should have a continuing role in the conversation about Los Angeles’ future.
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Building a Lasting Relationship with Black Media
According to the mayor’s office, Bass has hosted roundtables with the Black press for approximately 25 years, both in person and virtually.
The gatherings are intended to give traditional and emerging Black media outlets direct access to the mayor and her team.
“Beyond the breakfast, we want Black media to know this is a true partnership, one we’re committed to building together,” the mayor’s office said in its written response to EURweb.
The administration also emphasized that the relationship should work in both directions.
“We want Black media to be our eyes and ears in Black Los Angeles, telling us what the community is experiencing and what matters most,” the response stated.
The mayor’s office says it recognizes the growing influence of digital publishers, creators and other platforms reaching Black audiences.
Access Beyond City Hall Press Conferences
The mayor’s communications office says Black media outlets should have opportunities to cover major city developments, including preparations for the 2028 Olympics, public events and breaking news.
Journalists are encouraged to request interviews through [email protected] and join the city’s media advisory list.
The mayor’s office described the goal as building consistent communication rather than limiting engagement to high-profile occasions.
For independent Black publishers, the commitment raises an important question: Will expanded access translate into more opportunities to question officials about policies affecting their audiences?
Economic Opportunities for Black Angelenos
The mayor’s office also pointed to city programs designed to help local businesses compete for government contracts.
According to the administration, businesses participating in ProcureLA have secured more than $45 million in city contracts, and more than 17% of those businesses are Black-owned.
Those figures were provided by the administration. The percentage represents businesses, not the share of contract dollars awarded.
Bass also launched the Business Navigator program to help underrepresented businesses learn about city contracting opportunities.
The administration highlighted the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion, which it says will create more than 15,000 jobs for Angelenos.
Looking Toward the 2028 Olympics
With the Olympics approaching, the mayor’s office says Black media can help residents learn about job fairs, apprenticeships, public meetings and city programs connected to major investments.
The administration also wants community outlets to communicate residents’ concerns and priorities to City Hall.
“That’s why our office is committed to building a consistent, ongoing relationship with Black media, not just around major events,” the written response stated.
For EURweb and other independent outlets, the opportunity is to expand access while continuing to report independently on the administration’s promises, programs and results.
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