Thanks for your post, George, and all those responding to it. I'm writing my weekly secular newspaper column on faith on Charleston and I've also been blogging and doing social media on it (as a Caucasian who's preached in the AME before and in another predominantly black denominational church last Sunday, too).
I think a panel or other venue such as George suggests would be excellent. To me, there are several issues here. One is covering the ongoing racial tension in the nation that's got people as taut as I've ever seen. Another is news media depiction of the victims and alleged or convicted actors in racist incidents and how white privilege may play a role in same. A third is journalists' near-complete neglect and lack of understanding of minority-related spiritual and civic groups. Yet another is how news media can play a constructive role in helping citizens and their governing structures move forward proactively in the wake of the Emanuel shootings and other regretful race-related news. I bet there are other noteworthy aspects, too.
I hope to talk shortly with CSM Chair Sharon Stringer on this idea for a special spot in San Francisco for discussing such important matters, and I definitely support MAC being part of the conversation as well. Additionally, I would like to hear more discussion on our listservs on the idea.