KQ Communications Kicks Off Black History Month With Relaunch of ‘Sources of Color’ to Amplify Diverse Voices in Media

To kick off Black History Month, KQ Communications, an award-winning public relations, digital marketing and branding firm based in Memphis and Atlanta, rolls out more features on relaunched Sources of Color, a platform to connect journalists with public relations professionals and sources to help them secure the most reputable and diverse sources to interview.  

Sources of Color is supported by Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and Black Public Relations Society of Atlanta (BPRSA)

According to 2018 Columbia Journalism Review study, only 17 percent of newsroom staff at print and online publications and 25 percent of TV staff are journalists of color. When journalists look to their own networks for contacts, that often shorts people of color as reputable sources.

The platform was designed to bridge the gap between BIPOC voices and writers to create more balanced and inclusive stories. As a result, journalists will spend less time researching and more time storytelling. Likewise, public relations professionals representing clients of color as well as independent sources will gain greater access to media to highlight diverse voices. Inclusive and diverse storytelling benefits consumers.  

“Sources of Color is the next step in the modernization of journalism and public relations,” said Renee Malone, APR, KQ Communications president and founding partner. “We are excited to work with our partners to help showcase the experiences and expertise of people of color who can contribute to news stories and ensure equity in storytelling and media representation.” 

Sources of Color is considered a one-stop-shop for both journalists and sources, or public relations professionals, to search and communicate with each other. The platform hosts a range of features, including chat, video or call functions and the ability to share multimedia resources. Starting at just under $10 for the first three months, sources can showcase their industry expertise, boost their profile among national journalists and help provide opportunities for PR professionals. Journalists can use the platform for free.

“Sources of Color presents a unique opportunity to ensure diverse voices are not only heard, but captured within newsrooms across the country,” said Angelo D. Jones II, Black Public Relations Society of Atlanta president. “Black Public Relations Society of Atlanta (BPRSA) is proud to support this purpose-driven resource and looks forward to its continued success.”

A portion of the proceeds from platform memberships will go toward scholarships for students from under-represented backgrounds within PRSA’s student organization, PRSSA, to elevate opportunities in their respective industries. 

“As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, PRSA looks forward to supporting Sources of Color and providing our members with more opportunities to work with the media as advocates for their clients and organizations with diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise,” said Linda Thomas Brooks, PRSA CEO. “We are also pleased the platform will help provide scholarships for students studying public relations.”

John Shertzer, Society of Professional Journalists executive director, said it’s a tool every journalist needs in their toolkit. “SPJ is fully behind the effort to increase the diversity of sources that our members and journalists everywhere use for their reporting. This platform can deliver on that goal and its design and usefulness will make it a bookmarked site for every journalist. We are proud to be a lead partner on this effort and encourage all of our members to sign on.”
 
Both sources and journalists can begin searching and connecting at www.sourcesofcolor.com today.

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