Recent reports show that, despite some progress, there is a persisting lack of diversity in journalism, particularly in senior roles. This has led to calls for more regulation and strategies to addres

The call for greater diversity has gained momentum across the journalism industry in recent times thanks to breakthrough historic events, civil protests and demonstrations and the passing of legislature that has contributed to the ushering in a new era of justice, equality, and inclusivity. (Benson, 2005, p. 6) According to Levine (1991), 'diversity' is defined as the inclusion of "any under-represented population." (This research paper will refer to the term in alignment with Levine's definition). Although this new age that strives to be diversity friendly, the numbers appear to contradict commitments towards this cause, as they continue to persist in remaining low overall, statistic-wise. Particularly in certain western countries. (Eddy, Nielsen, and Selva 2022) These numbers are particularly low in terms of senior role occupation. However, the journalism industry has taken great strides in ensuring that the newsroom reflects the various underrepresented communities in society. This has been proven through the implementation of numerous diversity programs and training aiming to support inclusive workplaces and create 'safe spaces' for these diverse individuals. The exploration of diversity and its importance in the field of journalism is the focus of this paper, and where appropriate, will be approached with reference to journalistic core values.

In 2022, the NCTJ issued a progress report focused on diversity in the journalism industry. The report states there is "good progress" with gender balance, even in senior roles. Figures indicated that women made up 47% of the UK's journalism workforce in 2021, and were close to parity with their male counterparts at senior editorial positions, with an occupation of 49%. There was also progress in the employment of journalists with disabilities and disorders. According to the report, this minority made approximately one-fifth of the UK's journalism workforce in that same year, and a similar figure (though lower) in senior positions. (Spilsbury, 2022, p. 10) However, the presence of diversity in news environments can not always be relied on as a sign of progress. Generally, progress reports tend to ignore the intersectionality within the diversity. ‘Intersectionality,’ a term coined in 1989 by a professor called Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes the occurrence of individual identities including class, race and gender ‘intersecting’ with another. (Coaston, 2019) For example, though growing numbers of women in the media industry appears to be promising as shown by the majority of recent academic reports, black women - who fall under two minority groups (being both an ethnic minority and women) - happen to make up less than one percent of the industry along with their other black counterparts. (Arboine, 2020; Tobitt, 2021) Furthermore, there have been incidents of black female journalists working in broadcast told by employers not to wear out their natural hair or traditionally black hairstyles (braids, dreadlocks) which are often deemed as 'unprofessional' or 'militant' but also due to fears of disapproval from viewers. (Ferguson, 2007, pp. 80-81; Fischer, 2020) Hence, many black female correspondents and news anchors straighten their hair. Therefore, though diversity may be present in a newsroom, it does not necessarily assure adequate representation of intersectional groups, or the liberty to embrace that diversity. When considering diversifying the newsroom, news stations and publications should also ensure that diverse individuals that fall into two or more minority categories are also represented fairly. More fair representation of diverse groups and the intersectionality between is essential for the core value of 'Fairness and Impartiality,' as they all provide different, niche perspectives that contribute to the creation of more reliable and trustworthy news. (Fletcher and Newman, 2017) This is important for gaining public confidence and trust in the news, especially as polls have shown this has been low in modern times. (Blazina, Mitchell, Jurkowitz and Liedke, 2022)

There are a number of benefits diversity brings to a newsroom. Diversity in the newsroom is important from an financial standpoint, regarding the news company as a business. Employing more journalists from minority groups allows for more diverse opinions and perspectives in news storytelling, appealing to diverse members of society, thus helping the news outlet garner a larger, (and more diverse) audience - ultimately increasing their revenue. (Childers, 2020) As a matter of fact, after surveying over 360 companies, a 2015 McKinsey report concluded there was a 35% higher chance of bringing 'above average' profits among companies in the top quarter of hiring ethnic minorities in senior positions. (Childers, 2020) In addition to helping gain a larger audience, diversity in journalism is beneficial for accurate reportage on matters that concern marginalized groups, either through the prohibition or promotion of certain language that is used to refer to them, or the situations unique to them. 'Unity' is an American organization that consists of ethnic minority journalist associations operating as one of the strategies used to address the issue of lacking diversity. The organization condemned the usage of terms including "illegal alien" and other insensitive terms when covering the crisis of Latino refugees at the American border. As a result, the style guides of many media outlets adapted to Unity's suggestions on using correct language that 'frames the issues'. (Benson, 2005, p. 7) Thus, the importance diversity brings to journalism helps achieve the core value of Truth and Accuracy through honest news coverage precise in the language used in reference to certain communities. Done by giving them the opportunity to vocalize the type of language they deem appropriate. Thereby creating accurate news telling, because it is approved by the communities being reported on, and allows them to be actively involved in the process of how their experiences are told.

It is however important to note that the idea of employing diversity to fulfill the core value of 'Fairness and Impartiality' can backfire. One principle that journalists must keep in mind when covering news, is the ability to remain objective by ensuring that all sides involved in a political or social situation being reported, are given a chance to speak and respond. Though striving for impartiality achieves the aim of being 'fair,' some may argue that there may be times where this is not in the favor of minority groups that are sought to create the diversity. Sometimes news stories may have to give those who fall into part of the majority, or the aggressors themselves, a chance to speak, which may sometimes dilute the voices of the under-represented, effacing their side of the story. For example, reporting on how a woman's right to bodily autonomy is at stake, while remaining impartial by including the perspectives of why pro-life protesters stand against. However, on the other hand, it can also be argued that these differences in opinion, political views and religious beliefs also contribute to diversifying the newsroom, and is therefore essential for creating a more diverse, inclusive space that adheres to the value of being 'impartial and fair' by preventing the "emergence of biases." (Van Cuilenburg, 2000 p. 54) Another concern with diversity in journalism in terms of striving to fulfil this goal towards fairness, is that it can’t always be achieved. The 2022 NCTJ report mentioned previously found that those holding a 'Level 4' education qualification happened to represent most journalists. Though diversity in qualification level also stands as helping to create diversity, it must be noted that there may be certain skills, qualifications, and experience that journalists need to prove their competence. (Press Freedom and Pluralism in Europe, 2009)

Diversity in journalism is essential because it has the power to influence the masses regarding public perception. In many societies, many of these minority groups are marginalized for the differences contrasting with the majority. This has led to negative portrayals of these communities in the media. Having more diversity in the news environment as well as news stories, allows for better representation of these groups - once again fulfilling the core value of being impartial by eliminating any possibility of bias. Employing intellectuals from minority groups with influential roles in the media is important in the process of destabilizing preconceived notions about them held by the public. (Bourgalt, 2021) This is useful because the tremendous power that comes along with this kind of influence is the capability to shift people's beliefs and opinions. This could potentially affect the political sphere since the content that the public consumes intends to educate, inform, and empower the masses, which may play a role in determining who they will vote for at the polls. This solidifies journalism's position as the 'Fourth Estate of the Realm,' by being the "watchdog" of society that helps uphold democracy. (Press Freedom and Pluralism in Europe, 2009, p. 92) Additionally the importance of a news publication or broadcasting company seeking greater diversity should not be restricted the positions of journalists and reporters, but also sought in top, senior positions - particularly editorial roles, or the SOC 2491. (Spilsbury, 2022) Having more diversity at the top, helps the news organization stay out of scandals and controversies in terms of the way sensitive topics concerning certain communities are being reported. (Bourgalt, 2021) These editors from diverse groups can help catch language and perspectives charged with bias and insensitivity before they get published. Once again, supporting the importance of diversity in journalism.

To conclude, the prevalence of diversity in journalism is an important consideration due to a variety of reasons laid out above. Diversity in journalism empowers the underrepresented to change the narrative in terms of how they are portrayed in the media, helps build a larger audience, which increases revenue for the news business, and helps improve public trust in the media. However, as the discussion has shown, there are also challenges that threaten the importance of diversity such as satisfaction with inadequate representation of intersectional groups, for example. Additionally, the employment of a diverse news crew fulfills core values of journalism including 'Fairness and Impartiality,' as well as 'Truth and Accuracy,' which is vital in securing a promising future of journalism that produces trustworthy and reliable news coverage where all are represented, in the contexts of both newsroom and the public it seeks to serve.

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