The importance of diversity in the newsroom

Claire Schiopota

cs123719@ohio.edu

Diversity is a concept journalists have increasingly faced over time. The idea of inclusion has grown to where most media organizations agree there needs to be a priority and emphasis on the issue in their newsrooms. Even the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics reads, “boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear.”

The history of public media coverage for and by African Americans begins around the late 1800s and early 1900s, according to a study by Carlos Alamo-Pastrana and William Hoynes. They write, “the Black press was the next best thing where Black intellectuals and academics could reach broad audiences and present their research.” Significant social scientists for African American rights led this charge, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Charles S. Johnson. 

Source: Travel Weekly

The inherent problem was already being recognized over a thousand years ago, there are communities who feel segregated and don't have the ability to reach a broader audience. Mass media does have this ability, but now it continues to be a question if that representation is accurate.

According to a study by Amy Jo Coffey, an associate professor of communication at University of Florida, discovered that "(TV news journalists) who physically resemble the members of the communities they serve, signal to their constituents that they are being represented in the newsroom and in the coverage of their community."

This means that audience who don't see people like them will automatically feel segregated and not represented; they may feel their community is misunderstood. This feeling was actually a reality for Jelani Cobb while reading an article by The Guardian on crime in the Bronx.

People who aren't involved in these communities will miss things. It's inevitable that a reporter who does not grow up in the environment they need to report on will understand all the face immediately. It will be difficult to represent that group of people due to that gap in their knowledge.

There are ways to combat this problem. In a study conducted by Sue Robinson and Kathleen Bartzen Culver, black community leaders talked about wanting reporters to be involved before the newsworthy content comes up. Those leaders explained, "reports should not just show up in neighborhoods looking for comment without building trust: attend community events, develop long-term relationships with individuals, and cover community positives: 'Trust is earned. It is not just handed over.'"

So what can I do individually as a college student in college publications?

I think my biggest emphasis needs to start at a point in admitting fault and ignorance. I understand that I did not grow up in a community with much diversity and I do not understand environments of people unlike me. I want to listen and learn form that.

I have worked on stories in the past that deal with issues of race, gender and sexual orientation, and I've tried to give a platform to those who often feel they do not have one. I let those who know the communities the best guide my writing. I still feel like I have a long way to come as a journalist, but understanding these topics is definitely a good start.