Searching for Diversity in Journalism

             A recent minority census conducted by the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA), found that people of color hold just 21.8% of all jobs in English language TV newsrooms. This startling statistic prompts the question: Where is the diversity in today's newsrooms? Research shows that one of the key reasons for the lack of minority representation is the fact that minorities are not being hired at the small market level (Wang).
             Since 30% of all Americans are minorities, our newsrooms should reflect at least the same diversity. Sadly that is not the case. The truth of the matter is that lack of qualification is why minorities are not getting hired. Very rarely are journalists skilled enough to be hired into large market newsrooms directly out of college. Aspiring journalists must further hone their ability at the small market level. The problem is that minorities are not getting hired at this level, which makes it nearly impossible for them to attain jobs in larger market newsrooms. "The demand is higher than the supply for experienced, high potential minorities," said one general manager in a top 10 market. "In the smaller markets, station managers have to cultivate it. It's really hard to find a diamond in the rough, but you keep trying" (Wang).
             Stations should take a closer look at the statistics. It is proven that the higher rated newscast are also the ones with the most diverse ethnic makeup, which in turn reflects a more diverse collection of viewers. At WNBC-TV in New York, 37.4% of all station employees are minorities. WNBC General Manager Dennis Swanson has long been an advocate of diversity:
             I think the important thing about diversity is we're in a diverse market. This is a 60-40 market: 60 percent Caucasian, 40 percent non-Caucasian. If we're going to attract the widest possible audience, our product has to be reflective of that. People aren't going to watch our news, our public affairs or this TV statio...

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Searching for Diversity in Journalism. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 14:42, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/89717.html