By Shayla Reaves

Vaughn Benjamin is the president for the National Association of Minority Media Executives. He is part of the magazine industry and will be the first non-newspaper executive for NAMME. Vaughn currently serves as vice-president of the Magazine Publishers of America. Here are some responses from a Q&A with Vaughn regarding the future of NAMME and the magazine industry.

What do you hope to bring to NAMME as President
"I will be the first non-newspaper executive for NAMME so I hope to bring a different perspective to the organization. I am a firm believer in public relations and this is a wonderful organization with a chance to prosper as more people learn about it."

With issues such as media convergence taking center stage, what are some of the major issues NAMME is tackling or will be tackling in the changing media world?
“NAMME has never taken a strong position in activism. Even though there is [media] convergence, there will be more stations and media outlets and a greater need for training to prepare for more executive positions.”

What kind of impact to you think NAMME will have on the media industry in the next 10 years?
“NAMME will have a powerful impact on the media industry. If consistent with the demographics, there will definitely be a need for people of color affecting focus, images, and coverage.”

What are some of the major issues facing the magazine industry in the upcoming years?
“In the upcoming years magazines will continue to face mostly postal and distribution issues.”

What initiatives do magazines need to take in order to help improve diversity in the marketplace?
“Magazines already have recruitment, retention, and promotion programs in place, they just need to stick with it. Magazines also have a history of bringing in employees and watching them grow. To help increase diversity in the marketplace magazines should consider bringing in more senior people from other organizations. More outside opinions will add diversity to the marketplace and improve coverage.”