Diversity in Journalism

 Ella Umbarger

eu594318@ohio.edu

    There is a severe underrepresentaion of people of color in newsrooms and the PR and advertising industry. In 2017, only 16.6% of journalists at daily newspapers were people of color (Jelani Cobb).

    We must acknowledge the role we play in perpetuating stereotypes in our reporting. Stories about violence in predominately African American and Hispanic neighborhoods that lack context and depth contribute to the stereotypical perception of people of color. Some journalists add white voices in stories typically not associated with them to show how issues like crime and poverty affect both black and white people. 

    Journalists have been talking about diversity for decades now, but many feel the words diversity and inclusion have become meaningless. 8 out of 10 Americans consider ethnic diversity at least somewhat important in the workplace (Cobb). Although many seem concerned real change will only come from action. 

 

        Image from CJR Analysis

   Hiring quotas diversify the workplace, but it means that this diversity is not happening organically and that is the issue. Cobb said “How many people who have the skill to do this work never even get the opportunity to try?” While interviewing several Journalists that are black women Marian Meyers and Lynne Gayle asked if they have changed to culture or tried to improve the diversity. The journalists tried to amplify black voices and corrected their coworkers when needed. 

    Race forward's race reporting guide can be used as an extremely helpful guide in educating journalists on how they should be reporting about race. I believe educating yourself about these issues can prevent harmful reporting. This guide includes: covering key issues with a racial lens, seven harmful discourse practices, key terms and concepts, and online resources. 

 

     People of color should not have to educate you on these issues, as a journalist there are so many resources available to you. The Society of Professional Journalists has a Race and Gender hotline that journalists can reach out to if they have questions about the work they are doing. It is a confidential and non-judgmental resource to use that will provide you with guidance from Black and LGBTQ experts.