Mal Goode Reporting: The Life and Work of a Black Broadcast Trailblazer

by Liann Tsoukas, Rob Ruck

Mal Goode (1908–1995) became network news’s first African American correspondent when ABC News hired him in 1962. Raised in Homestead and Pittsburgh, he worked in the mills, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and went on to become a journalist for the Pittsburgh Courier and later for local radio. With his basso profundo voice resonating on the airwaves, Goode challenged the police, politicians, and segregation, while providing Black listeners a voice that captured their experience. Race prevented him from breaking into television until Jackie Robinson dared ABC to give him a chance. Goode was uncompromising in his belief that network news needed Black voices and perspectives if it were to authentically reflect the nation’s complexities. His success at ABC initiated the slow integration of network news. Goode’s life and work are remarkable in their own right, but his struggles and achievements also speak to larger issues of American life and the African American experience.

480 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2024

Reviews

[LaShanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Mal Goode Reporting: The Life and Work of a Black Broadcast Trailblazer because it tells the inspiring and important story of a pioneer in American journalism whose contributions deserve far more recognition. The book highlights how Mal Goode broke racial barriers in television news while reporting on some of the most significant moments of the civil rights era. I especially appreciated how the authors connected his personal journey and professional achievements to the larger social and cultural changes taking place in America during the mid-20th century. The story is both informative and deeply inspiring, giving readers a greater understanding of the challenges and progress of that time.

What stood out to me most was Goode’s professionalism, resilience, and determination in an industry where opportunities for Black journalists were extremely limited. The book also provides a moving look at the Great Migration and the changing cultural landscape of America, making it much more than just a biography. The writing is engaging, thoughtful, and easy to follow, while still being thoroughly researched and historically rich. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in journalism, civil rights, or American history, as it offers both an educational and meaningful reading experience.

A huge thanks to NetGallery, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

[Barb Laurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history lesson following two families from slavery to the 21st century in a candid and honest writing. I learned so much and hope our nation’s history of this subject is never forgotten. It is well written and since I am from Pittsburgh I enjoyed reading about the Goode family in the Pittsburgh setting.

[Tracy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable history text and great story about an impressive human being. About Mal’s dismay and disillusionment with the direction of the country in the 80’s and 90’s - imagine if he was still alive today. Although I would love to read the blistering letter(s) he would’ve penned to Clarence Thomas after some of his statements and actions on the Supreme Court.

[Jack Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an insightful portrayal of a groundbreaking journalist who never compromised his values. Tsoukas and Ruck's work is a must read for anyone intent on understanding the potential for one person to influence an industry and a nation and do so with humility.