How can you create a supportive and inclusive newsroom for diverse journalists?

1 Assess your current situation

The first step is to take a hard look at your newsroom and identify the gaps, challenges, and opportunities for diversity and inclusion. You can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or audits to collect data on the demographics, experiences, and perspectives of your staff, sources, and audience. You can also benchmark your performance against industry standards or best practices. The goal is to understand where you are, where you want to be, and what you need to do to get there.

2 Set clear and realistic goals

Based on your assessment, you can define your vision and objectives for diversity and inclusion in your newsroom. You can use SMART criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) to make sure your goals are clear and realistic. You can also prioritize your actions and allocate your resources accordingly. For example, you can focus on increasing the representation of certain groups, improving the retention and promotion of diverse talent, or enhancing the coverage of diverse issues and communities.

3 Involve and empower your staff

Creating a supportive and inclusive newsroom for diverse journalists is not only a top-down initiative, but also a bottom-up one. You need to involve and empower your staff at all levels and across all departments in the process. You can create a diversity committee or task force, solicit feedback and suggestions, provide training and mentoring, recognize and reward good practices, and address any concerns or complaints. You can also foster a culture of respect, trust, and belonging, where everyone feels valued and heard.

4 Expand and diversify your network

Another way to create a supportive and inclusive newsroom for diverse journalists is to expand and diversify your network of sources, partners, and collaborators. You can reach out to different organizations, groups, and individuals that represent or serve diverse communities and interests. You can also seek opportunities to collaborate with other media outlets, academic institutions, or civil society actors that share your commitment to diversity and inclusion. By expanding and diversifying your network, you can enrich your stories, broaden your audience, and increase your impact.

5 Monitor and evaluate your progress

Finally, you need to monitor and evaluate your progress and impact on diversity and inclusion in your newsroom. You can use quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as the number and percentage of diverse staff, sources, and stories, the feedback and satisfaction of your staff and audience, the awards and recognition you receive, or the changes you make in your policies and practices. You can also communicate your results and challenges, celebrate your achievements, and learn from your mistakes. The goal is to keep improving and innovating.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?