“Breaking the News” chronicles the efforts of female and nonbinary journalists as they establish The 19th, a journalism startup focused on perspectives often neglected by mainstream media. The documentary, directed by Heather Courtney, Princess A. Hairston, and Chelsea Hernandez, and written by Jamie Boyle, can be streamed via the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel, Apple TV, and Comcast Xfinity.
Directors and Key Figures
- Directors: Heather Courtney, Princess A. Hairston, Chelsea Hernandez
- Writer: Jamie Boyle
- Stars: Errin Haines, Emily Ramshaw, Kate Sosin
IMDb Rating
The film has received a rating of 7.3/10 on IMDb.
The Film’s Genesis
Emily Ramshaw and Amanda Zamora aimed to address the dominance of white men in newsrooms. Emily notes, “70% of policy and politics editors are men, almost all of them are white. These are the people deciding which stories are told, who is telling them, and whether they will be on the front page or the back page, if they get there at all.”
Launching The 19th*
Emily, Amanda, Editor-at-Large Errin Haines, and a group of fearless women and LGBTQ+ journalists launched The 19th, a digital news startup. The name, inspired by the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote, includes an asterisk to acknowledge the Black women and women of color who were omitted from this historical milestone. The 19th‘s work is guided by the asterisk, consistently asking who is being omitted from the story and how they can be included.
The 19th: A Name with Meaning
Inspired by the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, they named their venture The 19th*. The asterisk serves as a constant reminder of the Black women and women of color who were excluded from that victory. This symbolism underscores The 19th’s core mission – to seek out and amplify voices that have been historically marginalized.
Key Journalists and Coverage
- Errin Haines: Covers politics and race, known for breaking the first national story on the killing of Breonna Taylor.
- Chabeli Carrazana: Emerging Latina reporter based in Florida, focuses on gender and the economy.
- Kate Sosin: LA-based nonbinary reporter, covers LGBTQ+ stories, including anti-trans bills becoming law across the country.
Confronting Challenges
The documentary captures the honest discussions at The 19th* regarding race and gender equity, illustrating that change is not easy. It showcases how the newsroom confronts these challenges both as a workplace and in their journalism. This film goes beyond a newsroom; it reflects America in flux and amplifies voices often left out of the national narrative.
Where to Watch
“Breaking the News” is available for streaming on the PBS Documentaries channel on Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent it on Apple TV/iTunes and Comcast Xfinity.
This award-winning documentary, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023, offers a compelling look at the power of journalism to challenge the status quo and give voice to the underrepresented.
Festival Appearances and Awards
“Breaking the News” premiered at the TriBeCa Film Festival in June 2023, won the 2023 David Carr Award for Truth in Filmmaking at the Montclair Film Festival, and was an official selection at various other festivals, including the El Paso Film Festival, DC/DOX Film Festival, and Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival. Its broadcast premiere was in February 2024 on PBS.
The Film’s Production
The documentary was directed and produced by Heather Courtney, Princess A. Hairston, and Chelsea Hernandez, with Diane Quon also serving as a producer.
Conclusion
“Breaking the News” is a compelling documentary that not only chronicles the establishment of The 19th* but also highlights the broader issues of diversity and inclusion in American journalism. It showcases the tenacity and dedication of its journalists, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in media, social justice, and the ongoing evolution of newsrooms.
https://www.breakingthenewsfilm.com
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https://19thnews.org/2024/07/watch-the-19th-documentary-apple-tv-prime-xfinity