NABJ Pulls Out of Webinar, Cites Distraction to Priorities

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is committed to informing our members
and the public-at-large about the challenges associated with COVID-19. From misinformation,
regardless of the source, to reporting on dysfunctional national operations related to COVID-19,
to best practices to help keep people safe, we are committed to continuing to give people the
information they need. Our COVID-19 resource page on our website and social media platforms
are evidence of our serious commitment.
NABJ has canceled a webinar scheduled for tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET, entitled “The Rise of
Misinformation” because it has become a distraction from other priorities. It had come under
attack because controversial technology giant Huawei was planning to sponsor the webinar
though it had no editorial control. NABJ always retains editorial control over all such content
along with final say over moderators and panelists. Huawei knew all of this in advance.
Additionally, Huawei officials were not part of the scheduled webinar. Seasoned journalist and
CNN’s Van Jones was a panelist and NABJ’s Roland Martin was the moderator for the webinar.
They were to be joined by panelists will.i.am, musician, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and Dr.
Ebony Hilton, a noted medical professional at the University of Virginia. They were all poised to
talk about the purveyance of information regarding COVID-19.

There is no signed contract and NABJ has not accepted funding from Huawei. NABJ will
continue its COVID-19 dialogue with the greater community-at-large.