The Importance of Diversity in Media

 Cameron Knupp

ck900019@ohio.edu

America is often referred to as a "melting pot." That is because we all come from different ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. That means that we all have different experiences and see the world differently.

Because of this, it is imperative that we have media that reflects the diversity of our nation to tell the whole story of our country. Diversity paints a complete picture empowering people to make decisions about the world around them. 

Differing Perspectives   

In his article in The Guardian, Jelani Cobb puts forth what I believe is an excellent example of what a lack of diversity in the media can look like.

He recalls that stories about robberies in The Bronx often include anecdotes about the victims putting up a fight over a seemingly small amount of money.  

Via peoplemattersglobal.com

He points out that those few dollars may have been for someone's transportation and from work, thus disrupting that victim's livelihood. This example is a snapshot of the ignorance that a lack of diversity can breed. 

A reporter or criminologist from an affluent family or community would have no way of knowing the challenges that people are living paycheck to paycheck in The Bronx face. It doesn't mean that the reporter is terrible at their job or that they're a terrible person. It just isn't something that they would consider, given their background. 

That is why it is important that a newsroom has voices from different backgrounds offering different perspectives to cover all perspectives in a particular news story. That not only provides the public with a complete story, but it also sheds light on perspectives that are different from their own or they may not have otherwise considered.  

Newspaper Diversity Survey 

According to the Newspaper Diversity Survey conducted in 2018 (https://googletrends.github.io/asne/?filter=race), even some of the most prominent newspapers lack diversity in their newsrooms. 

The study found that the average newsroom overrepresented whites by 25 points, with the Tampa Bay Times representing the average newsroom. Its employees are 79% white, 9% Black, 9% Hispanic, and 3% Asian. 

The Chicago Tribune scored even worse, over-representing whites by a score of 50 points. Its employees are 80% white, 7% Black, 8% Hispanic, and 3% Asian. 

A lack of diversity means that newspapers are not getting a complete picture of their communities and across the country.