Journalism’s Racial Reckoning: The News Media’s Pivot to Diversity and Inclusion

This book explores the prevalence of racism in news media and the need for change in the industry. It analyzes media output by racialized and Indigenous journalists, identifies the racial makeup of newsrooms, and highlights the dominance of white perspectives in news coverage. It also examines the ignorance of racist history in editorial decisions and news content and the lack of diversity and inclusion measures. The book offers strategies for addressing these issues and provides a resource for students and scholars of journalism, journalism ethics, sociology, cultural studies, organizational studies, media and communication studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a crucial exploration of the pervasive issues of racism in news media at a pivotal juncture in history, as journalists worldwide unite in their opposition to the prejudice and inequality prevalent in the industry. The events of 2020, particularly the tragic death of George Floyd and the heightened visibility of the Black Lives Matter movement, have brought to light the urgent need for racial reckoning, including in the media. This volume chronicles this racial awakening, revisiting and examining the profound issues that it has raised.

The author delves into the analysis of media output by journalists from racialized and Indigenous backgrounds, shedding light on the racial composition of newsrooms, the prevalence of white perspectives in news coverage, the ethical implications of downplaying systemic racism and bias, the ignorance of racist history in editorial decisions and news content, and the lack of diversity and inclusion measures. Furthermore, the book provides a comprehensive account of the actions taken by news organizations in response to the reckoning, contextualizing them within the existing body of race and media scholarship.

By grounding the interplay between news media and race within this historical moment, this text emerges as an invaluable resource for students and scholars of journalism, journalism ethics, sociology, cultural studies, organizational studies, media and communication studies. It serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle against racism in news content and newsrooms, offering valuable insights and strategies for addressing these longstanding issues.

Weight: 184g
Dimension: 215 x 138 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032199108