Millennial media entrepreneurs are redefining survival in an industry shaken by layoffs, shrinking ad revenues, and the rise of AI-generated content. In 2024 alone, more than 25,000 jobs were cut in U.S. media, and 2025 shows no sign of relief. Yet amid these challenges, founders like Dontaira Terrell and Tasha McCaskiel are proving that creativity, resilience, and strategic innovation can keep independent media not only alive but thriving. Their stories reveal how millennial media entrepreneurs are building sustainable models even in the face of industry upheaval.
For Dontaira Terrell, acquiring The Buckeye Review, a Black newspaper founded in 1937, was more than a business move—it was a cultural mission. Alongside her sister, she is blending nearly 90 years of community legacy with modern strategies like membership models, branded content, and partnerships. Rather than fearing artificial intelligence, Terrell sees it as a tool to free her team for deeper, people-centered storytelling. This blend of heritage and innovation is showing how millennial media entrepreneurs can carry forward trusted institutions while adapting to new market realities.
Tasha McCaskiel, founder of Black Girls in Media, has built a community of nearly 200,000 members since 2018. But rapid growth came with financial strains. After hosting large conferences in New York and Atlanta, she made the difficult choice to pause due to costs. McCaskiel’s candid reflection—learning to align faith with strategy and knowing her numbers—resonated deeply with her audience. By shifting to a membership model, digital events, and curated partnerships, she has created more stable revenue streams while staying true to her mission of empowering Black women in media.
Both Terrell and McCaskiel agree: capital access remains the largest barrier for independent founders. Traditional advertising is unreliable, so diversification is essential. From digital products and job boards to community-driven events, millennial media entrepreneurs are designing hybrid models that can withstand economic uncertainty. Despite layoffs and budget cuts, their optimism is clear—by pairing innovation with cultural leadership, they are building a new blueprint for media’s future. As McCaskiel puts it, “Black women are the culture—we create, innovate, and lead. Now the infrastructure must catch up to our brilliance.”
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