"There's a generally accepted ethical requirement for news organisations to reflect society, both in terms of the content they produce and the people who produce it. Unfortunately, this is just not happening. Look, for example, at the new study released this week by the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity revealing a DEI backlash in British journalism, with one respondent describing their office as an apartheid newsroom."
"We know this is far from the case. But we also know that change must start somewhere, and visionary leaders can enact it and set new precedents. So, my colleagues and I try to reflect people, issues and events from a range of backgrounds in our teaching materials and via the fantastic speakers we invite in, including excellent Black British journalists."
"But beyond our lecture theatres, our Black students struggle to see anyone lauded in their industry who looks like them. This is unacceptable. The prestigious Press Awards' ceremony takes place on 21 May, four days before the sixth anniversary of George Floyd's murder."
British news organizations face a diversity crisis despite ethical obligations to reflect society in both content and staffing. Recent research from the Sir Lenny Henry Centre reveals a DEI backlash in journalism, with some newsrooms described as apartheid environments. The prestigious Press Awards shortlists demonstrate this failure, showing minimal Black journalist representation and several categories featuring only men. While journalism education programs successfully attract diverse talent and teach critical thinking, graduates struggle to find role models in the industry. Structural change requires visionary leadership and institutional commitment beyond tokenistic representation. The timing of the Press Awards ceremony, occurring near the anniversary of George Floyd's murder, underscores the urgency of addressing systemic inequities in journalism.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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