In 1980, documentary series CBS Reports broadcast an episode called “Gay Power, Gay Politics.” Although CBS described the program as a report on the growing influence of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco politics, the show was so biased that the National News Council, a media watchdog organization, found that the CBS show misled viewers and violated journalistic standards. After widespread outrage, CBS apologized on air. Media historians recognize it as the first public apology for distorted coverage of gays and lesbians by a national news organization and a major turning point in coverage throughout the media. Biased coverage still abounds. What are the lessons for today?
This event will screen the entire, unedited broadcast, followed by a discussion reflecting on the circumstances of how the show came to be, the response from the LGBTQ community and journalist Randy Alfred’s 20-page complaint filed to the National News Council that led to CBS’s 1980 apology. This event will chart the evolution of coverage of LGBTQ people in the media and how journalistic methods have changed in regards to our community.
Speakers
Randy Alfred (he/him) was twice editor of the S.F. Sentinel and co-founded the San Francisco Bay Times. He produced and hosted KSAN’s public-affairs radio show The Gay Life from 1979 to 1984. He was a founding member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists and entered its Hall of Fame in 2015. Randy’s work has also appeared in Sports Illustrated, S.F. Focus, S.F. Examiner, S.F. Chronicle, Oakland Tribune, Might, Washingtonian, Alternet, Berkeley Barb, New West, Book News, The Book of Lists #2, Whole Earth Catalog, Coevolution Quarterly, California magazine, Austin Sun, S.F. Bay Guardian, 48 Hills and Wired. He was editor of the Wired book Mad Science: Einstein’s Fridge, Dewar’s Flask, Mach’s Speed, and 362 Other Inventions and Discoveries that Made Our World.
Myron Caringal (he/they) is a multimedia journalist with a passion for digital and audience engagement. While attending San Francisco State University, he received multiple awards including a Hearst Award for his multimedia story on cruising culture in the LGBTQ+ community. His work has also been honored by the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association. Myron previously served as an Audience Development Intern with the San Francisco NPR station KQED and is now with Business Insider’s audience team as a Social Video Fellow through NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.
Location
GLBT Historical Society Museum, 4127 18th St., San Francisco, CA 94114
Admission
Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. This event will likely sell out, so guests are encouraged to reserve their tickets early. Tickets are available here.
Join the GLBT Historical Society
Become a member of the GLBT Historical Society for free museum and program admission, discounts in the museum shop and other perks throughout the year.
