Ashley Allison’s Watering Hole Media: Amplifying Voices for Community and Change

Ashley Allison, a CNN political analyst and former Obama alum, has launched a new media company called Watering Hole Media, with a focus on serving Black, brown, and Indigenous communities. The company aims to bring people together for a common good, much like the collaborative efforts that led to the election of America’s first Black president, Barack Obama.

Watering Hole Media was initially launched as a news and opinion blog in 2009 but did not fully take off at the time. However, after a live segment on CNN about the Montgomery Riverboat Brawl in August 2023, Allison was inspired to revisit her desire to create a platform for marginalized voices.

The incident in Alabama, where a group of white men attacked a Black boat crew worker, sparked a national conversation about racism in the South. Allison saw the need to amplify the voices of Black, brown, and Indigenous communities through Watering Hole Media.

The company has since launched three shows catering to different audiences, including “Wait a Minute,” “Tap In,” and “Everything’s Fine.” These shows provide a platform for diverse voices to discuss politics, social issues, and more.

Allison believes it is essential to create a space where contributors feel comfortable speaking their minds and pushing back when necessary. She also uses her platform at CNN to defend Vice President Kamala Harris against racist and misogynistic attacks, emphasizing the collective community’s responsibility to protect her.

As the country’s first female president, Allison believes we are long overdue for a female leader and is excited about the progress being made. Watering Hole Media aims to continue amplifying marginalized voices and fostering community engagement for a better future.