Chavez, ChristopherQuick, Rachel2024-08-072024-08-072024-08-07https://hdl.handle.net/1794/29779This dissertation critically examines Black news podcasts through the lens of Black media history, political economy, and platformization, highlighting their socio-economic role and the emergence of Black creators in the digital media ecosystem. It explores the historical progression of Black news organizations from the Black Press to Black news podcasting, and the current economic practices of Black news podcasts, emphasizing its socio-political relevance, cultural impact, and funding strategies. By utilizing innovative models like crowdfunding, these platforms prioritize community engagement over profitability, challenging conventional media paradigms and advocating for media diversity and cultural autonomy. This dissertation poses questions on the impact of ownership and digital platforms on narrative control, funding and sustainability of Black podcasts, and their role in political discourse and representation. This inquiry contributes to understanding Black podcasts’ economic viability and social impact, enriching discussions on media’s political economy and Black media’s future in cultural production and representation.en-USAll Rights Reserved.Black media historyBlack news podcastsCritical media studiesDigital media ecosystemPlatformitizationPolitical economyElectronic Thesis or Dissertation