Every person who works in PR for TV & film should read this. Obv editors at many publications too. But this kind of PR gatekeeping is keeping talented critics & writers from marginalized communities -- especially POC -- on the sidelines or driving them out medium.com/swlh/gatekeepi…
I'm white, I have a track record at known outlets, so even as a freelancer, I automatically get or *can* get most TV screeners. I have heard SO MANY tales of Black, Asian, disabled, queer, Latinx critics--among others--having major obstacles to getting them. It's a major problem.
Add to that even more obstacles to getting on: Red carpets. Other premiere events. Panels. During the pandemic, just getting screeners, having interview requests granted, being among first to be able to cover TV/films. The gatekeeping & obstacles are CONSTANT to marginalized folk
If you reach out to writers & critics from a particular community only when you want coverage of a project w representation from that community... don't do that.That's insulting & biased. Writers of color, LGBTQ writers, disabled writers--they can & want to write about everything
Also, critics/writers/reporters from marginalized communities NEED to write about everything, certainly if they want to be able to pay their bills and ever get hired on staff anywhere. PR/marketing gatekeeping has a role to play in all this & it needs to be talked about.
Various TV/film promotional efforts have tiers: Those of us in the industry know this. There are lists--who gets screeners, who gets invited to (even virtual) events, who they want to write features etc. Not a great look if your top tiers are mostly/very white/abled/straight/cis.
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