Bakersfield News Observer continues to serve as the only African American Newspaper in Kern County The newspaper has been serving Kern County for over 40 years. and last updated 2021-03-01 11:19:44-05 BAKERSFIELD,Calif. â The Bakersfield News Observer has been providing rich history to Kern County for over four decades. Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought, the African American newspaper is continuing to uphold its legacy. 23ABC's Lezla Gooden spoke with the newspaper and takes a look into their legacy. Here is a list of some of the places you can find the free newspaper, for more information click here.