Four steps to addressing a lack of diversity
CJR editors, Columbia Journalism Review,Once you’ve committed to addressing a lack of diversity in your newsroom, it can be daunting to decide where to start. Columbia Journalism Review editors divide the issues into four steps:
- Acknowledge there is a problem
- Consciously work to overcome barriers to entry
- Tell stories minorities want to read and
- Focus on retention.
Number 4 may actually be the most pressing, time-wise – newsrooms can’t afford to lose journalists belonging to underrepresented groups, and the industry as a whole will suffer if those journalists leave for entirely new careers. This piece will help you prioritize the measures your own newsroom must take.