In response of “Decades of Failure”
Blog topic #8, September 6, 2021
“Decades of Failure”, an article from the Columbia Journalism Review, shares shocking statistics that “racial and ethnic minorities comprise…17 percent of newsroom staff at print and online publications, and only 13 percent of newspaper leadership.” The article highlights the critical need for diversity in communications and media roles in the U.S., of which is severely lacking.
The best journalism is delivered from a diverse team working behind the scenes. When news and reporting is told from one perspective and personal bias, repeatedly, over a period of time — even when tried to be avoided — journalism ultimately does not do its job. Journalism, done well, is done by a diverse team with different backgrounds and experiences, which allows them to tell different stories and look for stories to tell that may otherwise be overlooked.
It also allows for more accurate reporting and editing. The article referenced “coverage blunders” made from white editors, such as: “The New York Times profile of Michael Brown, a teenager shot and killed by police, [referred] to him as “no angel”; The Hollywood Reporter cover story on the “great eight” actresses in cinema that only featured white women.”
The best journalism is journalism for the masses — and ‘the masses’, especially in the U.S., is diverse. This article was written in 2018, and it shares that ethnic and racial minorities make up 40 percent of the U.S. population. If newsrooms do not hire more ethnic and racial minorities in their newsroom as well as promote those they already have on staff, the stories of the 40 percent aren’t being told as frequently, as well and as accurately as they could be. Having a diverse newsroom ultimately equals better journalism — journalism that is more well-rounded, unbiased and most importantly, balanced. To quote the Columbia Journalism Review, “the value of diversity to journalism is not about skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or social class. It’s about the stories people can tell.”
Jobs in journalism, media and communications, despite what many may say, are powerful positions to hold, and with this power comes privilege, and historically (and currently), closed doors. News and information, to be successful, should be not only for all and accesible outside of the newsroom, but in it as well. These doors must be opened.
References
Cjr. (n.d.). Decades of failure. Columbia Journalism Review. https://www.cjr.org/special_report/race-ethnicity-newsrooms-data.php.
