NABJ Thumbs Down Award Names Stephen A. Smith and 4 Others
Photo credit: NABJ
The National Association of Black Journalists has named five recipients of its 2026 Thumbs Down Award, including Stephen A. Smith, Brendan Carr, CBS, DuJuan McCoy and The Washington Post.
The announcement came during the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Atlanta on Saturday, Aug. 15. This year’s list is notable because NABJ recognized five people and organizations instead of the one or two recipients typically selected.
The Thumbs Down Award is not a traditional honor. Instead, NABJ uses it to criticize reporting, commentary or practices it considers harmful to the Black community.
Stephen A. Smith Receives a Thumbs Down
Stephen A. Smith is one of the most recognizable names on this year’s list.
The ESPN sports analyst and political commentator received the award for what NABJ described as a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary about prominent Black women.
According to NABJ, Smith’s comments have involved women across politics, sports and media. The organization said the commentary can reinforce harmful narratives about Black women.
NABJ also said the comments conflict with its commitment to accurate, responsible and inclusive portrayals of Black communities.
The decision is notable because Smith has maintained a relationship with NABJ in the past. He has appeared at the organization’s conventions with ESPN and hosted an episode of First Take during the 2024 convention.
Smith has since responded to the award on social media.
He challenged NABJ’s decision and indicated that he plans to respond publicly. Smith also suggested that the organization had started a confrontation by giving him the award.
Brendan Carr Named Among Recipients
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also received the 2026 NABJ Thumbs Down Award.
NABJ criticized Carr over his leadership of the Federal Communications Commission. The organization said his use of the agency’s regulatory authority has raised concerns about press freedom and editorial independence.
NABJ also pointed to licensing scrutiny involving news organizations. It said Carr’s actions have contributed to concerns about pressure on media companies.
The organization further argued that his approach to diversity, equity and inclusion issues could threaten the diversity of voices in journalism.
Carr’s inclusion puts press freedom and media regulation at the center of this year’s award.
CBS Also Receives the Award
CBS was another organization named by NABJ.
The journalism organization criticized the network over changes within its newsroom and corporate structure.
According to NABJ, CBS eliminated its race and culture unit under its current leadership. The organization also cited workforce reductions that it said disproportionately affected journalists of color.
NABJ further pointed to disputes involving editorial independence and newsroom decision-making.
The recognition therefore focuses on broader questions about diversity and representation within major news organizations.
DuJuan McCoy Is Also Recognized
DuJuan McCoy, the owner, president and CEO of Circle City Broadcasting, was another recipient.
Circle City Broadcasting owns WISH-TV in Indianapolis. McCoy is also one of the relatively few Black owners of local television stations.
His inclusion makes this year’s list different from a simple criticism of large national media organizations. It also shows that NABJ’s concerns extend to Black media ownership and local broadcasting.
NABJ’s 2026 award list follows scrutiny surrounding staffing decisions at a station acquired by McCoy’s company.
The Washington Post Makes the List
The Washington Post rounds out the five 2026 recipients.
NABJ included the newspaper among the people and organizations receiving its Thumbs Down Award this year.
The organization’s concerns include issues surrounding diversity within the newsroom and recent changes involving its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
The Washington Post has faced broader scrutiny over its treatment of diversity initiatives and journalists of color. Those issues form part of the wider media debate surrounding the newspaper.
What Is the NABJ Thumbs Down Award?
The NABJ Thumbs Down Award is designed to call attention to conduct that the organization believes harms Black communities.
NABJ presents the award to an individual or organization for what it considers especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartooning about the Black community.
The organization can also recognize practices that it believes conflict with NABJ’s goals.
As a result, receiving the award is a form of public criticism rather than recognition for professional achievement.
Why This Year’s Awards Stand Out
The 2026 NABJ Thumbs Down Award list stands out for its range of recipients.
The list includes a major sports commentator, a federal regulator, a national news organization, a Black television executive and one of the country’s major newspapers.
It also includes both individuals and organizations.
NABJ President Errin Haines said the goal was not permanent condemnation but progress. She emphasized the need for pressure to create that progress.
For Smith, the award has already sparked a public response. Meanwhile, the other recipients have been placed under NABJ’s broader criticism of media practices and representation.
The 2026 list therefore reflects the organization’s continuing effort to challenge people and institutions it believes are falling short in serving the Black community.
The NABJ Thumbs Down Award may not be an honor recipients want. However, this year’s five selections have placed media representation, press freedom and accountability back in the spotlight.
Source: NABJ
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