doi:10.7916/d8-qac9-p044Oral history interview with Nathaniel Williams, 1971Williams, Nathanieloral historiesmixed materialJournalism--Political aspectsJournalism--Social aspectsJournalistsAfrican Americans--Civil rightsAfrican American pressAfrican American journalistsMemphis (Tenn.)United States Race relationsWilliams, NathanielUnited States. National Advisory Commission on Civil DisordersReportPittsburgh courierHenry La Brie's 1971 interview with Nathaniel Williams begins with an overview of Williams' early life, education, and professional experience. Next, La Brie asks Williams what types of stories are newsworthy, if he has thought his newspapers as being black, how black newspapers have changed over time, and if and how the black press has failed or succeeded. They discuss the distinguishing features, future, and ownership of the black press. Williams talks about his first encounters with the black press, how to measure a black newspaper's success, and the differences between the black and white press. La Brie asks about the black press as a political vehicle, advertising in black newspapers, and if black readers trust black newspapers more than white ones. They discuss why readers buy black newspapers, if black newspapers should target white readers, and if the black press is effective as a voice of protest. Williams explains why more black dailies and a black wire service are needed. After discussions of differences between the black press in the North and South and black newspapers' reliance on advertising and circulation, the interview concludes with La Brie asking if white establishment newspapers have been more representative in coverage of minority affairs since the Kerner Commission Report.