"I've watched, read and endlessly scrolled my social feeds along with all of you"
Q&A with LaToya Drake – Head of Media Representation @ Google
14. November 2020
Q: Can you shortly tell us about your current position as Head of Media Representation at Google and how you have worked media representation and diversity before?
"I lead Google's efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable media ecosystem. I work hand-in-hand with product teams, and build partnerships that reach and elevate intersectional and often underrepresented voices who may not be fully represented within Google and the broader ecosystem."
Q: What kind of efforts are you a part of to create a more inclusive media ecosystem and media representation at Google?
“I'm very focused on developing new ways to connect, support, and elevate diverse publishers and media. My work in the space includes championing programs like our Innovation Challenge to sustain diverse media, overseeing our work with non-profits, foundations and academic partners through programs like the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund; and creating partnerships with organizations like the Maynard Institute and the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting. These programs support growth, and empower the next generation journalism entrepreneurs, media leaders and storytellers of color.”
"In a lot of cases these audiences are not effectively represented in the pages of their local news publication or remain untapped as an opportunity to increase engagement and grow the business for a news organization."
Q: Why is it important to make more inclusive storytelling and create a more diverse media ecosystem?
“So many of the communities that surround us are diverse. They are comprised of people of various ethnicities, income levels, and countries of origin. In a lot of cases these audiences are not effectively represented in the pages of their local news publication or remain untapped as an opportunity to increase engagement and grow the business for a news organization. That’s why it's increasingly important for publishers to understand the diverse communities they serve.”
Q: What developments are you currently seeing in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement and the discussions about racism and police brutality - not only the United States, but most of the world - in concern to media representation and diversity? Have these discussions found their way into the news rooms?
“I've watched, read and endlessly scrolled my social feeds along with all of you .. We saw what was called publishing industry's "reckoning" with racism play out as a result of the coverage, headlines and op-eds we saw. For me it has been humbling to see journalists using their voices to call out and stand up and against problematic framing of minority communities. And I'm shouting in support.”
Q: What will you be talking about at this year’s Festival for new media?
“I certainly plan to do less talking and more discussing. I'm looking forward to sharing a look into what Google is doing as it relates to equity and representation, and having discussion with attendees on how they are moving their work forward.”
Interviewet er lavet af Kasper Mikael Jacek.