Diversity and the Newsroom

The news these days is dominated by looming, threatening headlines and often biased opinions about the current state of things. But what about the faces behind those articles? What do they look like? Unsurprisingly enough, more than 77 percent of people working in newsrooms are white, according to a Pew Research Center study conducted in 2018. But what about all those companies boasting about their 'diverse newsrooms' online? How is it that we are convinced the first line of defense against the government (at the current moment) is truly an accurate reflection of the American people?

In the media today, having a diverse staff of reporters is more essential than ever. As a pillar of strength against an uncooperative government, the modern press plays one of the most vital roles in protecting and defending the rights and voices of the people. Journalists have the duty of informing the public and making heard the voices that the majority smothers, yet this does not seem to be happening. How are minority voices going to be heard in a world full of white hands writing the stories that minority reporters are often better suited to tell? Because the press is meant to represent American's opinions and criticisms of the government, it should physically represent all Americans. The population of the United States is one of the most diverse in the world, and according to Cobb's article, over 37 percent of the population is of a different racial group than white. The reporters that voice the opinions of this entire population should reflect them in race, gender, class, and orientation. Yet many of our institutions, including politics and media, are still dominated by white men. Changing this situation is of the highest priority to many, but the people that can make actual changes are those same white men that control many aspects of modern life in America. Only with voting and social action will minorities be heard, but even then it could take a long time to truly diversify and improve aspects of our society. Though there may not be an easy solution, it is our responsibility as privileged and enfranchised Americans to stand up for the voiceless and the silenced so that all Americans can truly be heard one day. 

NPR's Staff Diversity Numbers, 2018

Despite the social action that's been done already, there has been a minute change, if any, in the way of increasing the diversity of America and our newsrooms. Although many people say they want change and more inclusivity, most don't understand why it matters. The unique voices of the racially, ethnically, and financially discriminated are what creates culture and creativity in America. Every popular food chain in America, except McDonald's, is based on another culture's cuisine, yet it's called "American food". Although other examples of this exist, it's essential that people begin to focus more on understanding and respecting the skills and traditions of others rather than adapting them and claiming them as their own. The talents and knowledge that immigrants and other cultures bring to America are one of the most fundamental elements of the American melting pot. By allowing minorities to be the ones to share and create using their own knowledge, they would help to normalize diversity in all aspects of society and enhance the cultural status of the United States, as well as bolster the strength of the press in these harrowing times.