Taking some solace in latest newsroom census

One of the hats I wear is as diversity chair for the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Here are the email answers I gave in an online interview with a reporter for Diverse magazine which she decribed as a kind of Chronicle of Higher Education for blacks.


-Do you think that diversity is "the sacrificial lamb" during this turbulent time in the industry?

ASNEs annual census, released in April, found the percentage of journalists of color in newspaper newsrooms was slightly higher year over year. While editors I know wish the numbers were higher, given the loss of jobs in newsrooms, the ones I spoke with seemed to find solace in the report.

-What type of responses did ASNE receive after releasing the study results and how has the committee responded to the numbers?

The diversity committee plans to meet at Unity in July and discuss our projects for the year ahead. There is an idea being floated by another journalism organization we might partner with that would help with retention and promotion. Were also committed to helping editors increase coverage of minority communities, particularly using the web. ASNE is devoted to several other important programs to help increase the number of minority journalists including an extensive high school journalism initiative. The organization also provides annual training seminars for current professionals to build their expertise and confidence which helps keep them in the business and growing. For example, we just hosted a well-received seminar in Denver on immigration issues for reporters and editors. As one might expect, there was a heavy emphasis on the impact on Latino communities.


--Do you have additional comments?

Local newspapers are a great place to work if you want to make a difference in terms of community building, including giving voice to people who are marginalized or neglected as well as those with the wherewithal to make good things happen. We need journalists from all backgrounds to ensure we;re fulfilling our public service role and to accurately reflect whats going on in peoples lives. Our increasing use of the web gives us a tremendous opportunity to reach and reflect even more people and to help them connect with each other.



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