Oprah Winfrey Gets Criticized by BET Co-Founder for Lack of Racial Diversity

 

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET, had a few concerns about Oprah Winfrey’s net OWN network, citing the network’s lack of racial diversity.  On NPR’s “Tell Me More,” Johnson had this to say:

 

"The only advice that I say, let's open up your circle a little bit more. You know, we love the Dr. Phils. We love the Suze Ormans. Let's open up. There are other people. And there's also African-American experts out there that I think she should start bringing on her show that can reach even a wider audience."

At that point, host Michel Martin mentioned that the network’s whiteness might be confusing to some.  Johnson then said this:

"No. Yes," replied Johnson. "And I think she really should do that and not be afraid to do it. There's really a lot of great experts out there that really know the businesses at hand. And I'd like to see her open up her circle to do that."