The Shade Room: Shifting From Gossip to Positive Media
Angie Nwandu, founder of The Shade Room, plans to broaden the platform beyond celebrity gossip, aiming for positive outreach while still keeping an eye on scandals. She insists on responsible journalism, especially as the platform prepares for the upcoming elections, striving for unbiased political coverage. Despite past controversies and the current Diddy scandal, Nwandu remains committed to her vision of uplifting Black media without losing ownership.
The Shade Room, founded in 2014 by Angie Nwandu, revolutionised celebrity news with its unique blend of gossip and fan culture, amassing 29 million social media followers. While originally focused on Black celebrity life, Nwandu plans to broaden the platform’s scope, slowly steering away from just drama and gossip, which she now finds a bit “tiring”. Diddy’s recent arrest was prime gossip fodder, showing just how hard it is to ignore juicy stories even while aiming for a more positive vibe.
In our chat, Nwandu reflected on how The Shade Room has evolved from its wild beginnings. She’s aiming for a responsible reporting approach, moving away from salacious outings and embracing a more thoughtful stance. Despite the platform’s name, the goal is to shift towards positivity, although keeping an eye on celebrity scandals is still part of the game.
With the upcoming election, Nwandu also discussed her newfound objective of providing unbiased political coverage. She’s on a mission to keep celebrity opinions out of the news cycle, making sure both sides receive a fair portrayal. This includes engaging consulting firms to combat any biases while reporting on politics.
The Shade Room has felt the heat from critics regarding misinformation and sensationalism, so Nwandu is determined to keep things accurate. Despite some mixed feelings about past interactions with celebrities, she reassured that many love being featured on the platform.
Diddy’s recent charges have put The Shade Room in another sticky situation; the role of Black media is vital for balanced coverage, especially in light of racial biases in reporting. Nwandu believes it’s crucial to report on all aspects, especially when the media often portrays Black individuals through a biased lens.
Amid criticisms, the music industry’s troubling nature came under fire, and Nwandu’s ready for accountability to shine a light on the dark corners of fame. With ten years under her belt, Nwandu dreams big, desiring to elevate The Shade Room to heights comparable to BET or Essence—all while maintaining ownership and integrity.
Despite daily temptations to cash out and lounge in Aruba, her passion drives her forward, determined to leave a meaningful legacy. This isn’t just celebrity gossip; it’s about empowerment and creating a platform that resonates within the culture, even if it means tackling the occasional stormy shade.
The Shade Room is a digital media platform that has made waves by combining gossip culture with social media engagement. Founded by Angie Nwandu, it focuses on the lives and controversies surrounding Black celebrities, evolving into a central hub for cultural discussions. With the founder expressing a desire to evolve beyond mere gossiping, the platform now aims to tackle societal issues, politics, and the responsible reporting of news.
Angie Nwandu and The Shade Room are on a journey to redefine celebrity news, embracing a balance between juicy gossip and thoughtful, positive media coverage. With aspirations to grow into broader topics, Nwandu aims for the platform to retain its cultural voice while evolving responsibly. While celebrity drama will always have its place, her vision includes shaping a better legacy for Black media.
Original Source: www.wired.com
