Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club

Guest: Ashley Allison

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Ashley Allison On Acquiring 'The Root', Cultural Impact, The Root 100 List + More
Date: November 6, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God

Episode Overview

This episode features a lively and insightful interview with Ashley Allison, the new publisher and owner of The Root via her company Watering Hole Media. The discussion covers Ashley's acquisition of The Root, her vision for its future, the launch of The Root 100 list (with The Breakfast Club named as honorees), challenges facing Black media, the cultural significance of Black storytelling, and strategies for sustainability and growth in a changing media landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Announcement: The Root 100 List & The Breakfast Club's Recognition

• Ashley announces the release of The Root 100, her first as publisher, and reveals The Breakfast Club is featured on the list.
• Gifts and thanks exchanged, reflecting mutual cultural respect.
• Quote:
  “Today we are announcing the Root 100. The first time I’m announcing this list as the publisher. And The Breakfast Club is on our list.”
  — Ashley Allison [03:15]

2. The Motivation Behind Acquiring The Root

• Ashley shares her long-standing admiration for The Root, aligning with her vision when founding Watering Hole Media.
• Sees The Root as a vital space for authentic Black narratives, emphasizing the importance of owning and telling Black stories.
• Quote:
  “We need to have places to tell our stories and tell them our way and through our lens, unapologetically black. And I always say Black stories are American stories, and American stories are global stories, and we deserve to have ownership over them.”
  — Ashley Allison [04:40]

3. Addressing The Root's Past Reputation & Future Direction

• Charlamagne and the team share their mixed feelings about The Root’s past editorial tone.
• Ashley acknowledges past issues, pledges transparency, and sets standards for excellence, not perfection.
• Quote:
  “It’s a new day. It’s a new dawn. We’re on the show, and I’m feeling good.”
  — Ashley Allison [05:42]

4. The Changing Landscape of Black Media & Job Losses

• Discussion about the shrinking presence of Black-led media platforms (e.g., Vibe’s merger, layoffs at Teen Vogue).
• Ashley notes the broader context of high unemployment among Black women and the responsibility of Black-owned spaces.
• Quote:
  “I feel a pressure and a responsibility because of what The Root is in our community and can be... we will have a standard of excellence.”
  — Ashley Allison [06:18]

5. Editorial Vision: Multiplicity of Black Stories & Perspectives

• Importance of representing diverse Black perspectives (“not a monolith”).
• Commitment to thoughtful, sometimes controversial coverage to provoke thought.
• Quote:
  “Black people are not a monolith. So I need to make sure I’m telling multiple stories through multiple lenses... you will think about what we cover. And that is, I just think iron sharpens iron and Black people deserve to have multitudes of opinions.”
  — Ashley Allison [07:10]

6. Growing Audience and Restoring The Root’s Influence

• Goal to double The Root’s already considerable monthly audience (10M+).
• Plans to expand into video while maintaining strong written journalism.
• Aim to become the trusted go-to source for Black culture, news, and commentary.
• Quote:
  “I want The Root... when you want to know what’s going on in culture, politics, sports, and entertainment, you can go to The Root as a trusted source.”
  — Ashley Allison [07:48]

7. Navigating Trust, Fact-Checking, and Commentary in the Age of Misinformation

• Recognition of speed-driven misinformation; intention to scale newsroom for both speed and accuracy.
• Transparent line between opinion and reporting, with a “do no harm” principle regarding community impact.
• Quote:
  “We have a ‘do no harm’ approach... you cannot cause harm to Black people and have a home at The Root.”
  — Ashley Allison [09:14]

8. History and Legacy of The Root

• Founded by Dr. Henry Louis Gates in 2008; Ashley’s sense of stewardship.
• Importance of understanding The Root’s origins during Barack Obama’s rise and applying lessons to today’s climate.
• Quote:
  "I called [Henry Louis Gates] a couple of days before the announcement, and he was just over the top, elated. He’s like, ‘Oh my gosh. It’s like you have my child.’ And I’m like, and I will take great care of it."
  — Ashley Allison [09:39]

9. Reimagining The Root 100 — Removing Rankings

• Decision to spotlight excellence by community, not competition, especially in challenging times.
• The list includes a diverse mix of journalists, creators, scientists, and leaders.
• Quote:
  “We decided as a team to remove the rankings because in a moment that we are in right now, everybody on the list is exceptional... It’s a collective, and the only way we get out of this moment is if we do it together.”
  — Ashley Allison [11:11]

10. The Struggle for Black Media Funding & Sustainability

• Acknowledgement of industry-wide difficulties in securing ad dollars and investment.
• Ashley remains optimistic, highlighting The Root’s massive traffic and vision for growth, including video and offline events.
• Emphasis on “the product sells itself” and building community relationships.
• Quote:
  “It is a profitable business. And I see a vision on how we could grow... We have some offline activations that we want to do because, like, it’s one thing to see something, but to actually be in relationship [is] important.”
  — Ashley Allison [12:42]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Black stories are American stories, and American stories are global stories, and we deserve to have ownership over them.”
  — Ashley Allison [04:40]

• “We decided as a team to remove the rankings because in a moment that we are in right now, everybody on the list is exceptional... It’s a collective, and the only way we get out of this moment is if we do it together.”
  — Ashley Allison [11:11]

• “If in 17 years, it’s not stronger and more dominant, then I have not met my call.”
  — Ashley Allison [10:00]

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• Ashley's Announcement & The Root 100: [03:12] – [03:55]
• Motivation for Acquiring The Root: [04:03] – [05:04]
• Past Criticisms & New Editorial Vision: [05:04] – [07:10]
• The State of Black Media & Layoffs Discussion: [07:10] – [08:16]
• Restoring Trust & Authority in Black Journalism: [08:16] – [09:27]
• Reflecting on The Root’s Legacy: [09:27] – [10:54]
• Rethinking ‘The Root 100’ and Collective Recognition: [10:54] – [12:23]
• Funding and Future Growth Plans: [12:23] – [13:29]

Summary

Ashley Allison’s interview on The Breakfast Club is a powerful reflection on the future of Black media, cultural storytelling, and Black ownership. She shares a candid look at the responsibility of stewarding a legacy platform, her plans to foster trust and innovation at The Root, and the challenges and hopes for Black news and cultural coverage. The episode is charged with optimism, honesty, and a deep belief in the power and necessity of authentic Black narratives—both within The Root and the wider media landscape.