Diversify journalism with me
As journalists, we tell stories, more specifically other people’s stories.
When we invite journalists to speak on panels or present at workshops, we’re asking them to tell their story, share their work, and offer up a slice of their life. But most of us are hearing the same story over and over again.
Just as diversity in media coverage is valuable and necessary, so is diversity in media conversations. It’s key that journalists of every background be included as solutions to “save” our industry and our craft are formed.
I believe journalism leaders need to wake up and take a look at their journalism network: Who are you talking to about new industry solutions? Who are you learning from? Who are you hiring and promoting? Who inspires you to be a better journalist?
During the recent #mediadiversity Twitter chat, hosted by MediaShift’s Mark Glaser (@mediatwit), a number of participants brought up to an excuse given by conference planners and industry leaders, to account for the lack of diversity at their conferences: “We can’t find any qualified minorities.”
Well, that’s no longer an excuse.
Collaborators from across the country, across all four UNITY groups have put together this list of “Web journalism rock stars of color” – and we’re looking to extend it to include journalists from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association.
So, whether you’re a young journalist of color looking to grow your local network, or a journalism organization leader currently planning a summer convention, spend some time with the list. Get to know the folks on it. And continue to nominate yourselves and others to be added to the list.
— Emma
(Big kudos to @webjournalist for the clever URL for this project)
