Studies and history have shown that African Americans have been overrepresented in media as impoverished criminals. Thus was the case in Cincinnati, Ohio, which led up to the racial unrest during the 2001 riots. As a result, African American perceptions of how their racial group is perceived by local media are negative. More than ten years after the riots, and there are still concerns that the media is not doing enough to give a fair and balance representation of the African American community. Through participant observation and survey research by African Americans in Cincinnati, this study serves to show the need for change, and the recommendations on doing so. The disconnect between media and the African American community is explained by way of intercultural communication theory, linguistics (black language), cross-cultural adaptation theory, otherness, and problem solving. The recommended changes are realistic and necessary in not only improving African American perceptions, but also improving news coverage and storytelling as a whole. This research can be used to address lack of coverage for certain demographics in other cities, as well as other groups in Cincinnati as well.
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