"The Paper Is White": Examining Diversity Issues With the Next Generation of Journalists. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Finneman, Teri; Hendricks, Marina A.; Bobkowski, Piotr S.
• Is Part Of: Journalism & mass communication educator. Volume 77:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: diversity -- experiential learning -- journalism -- teaching -- student media; Communication -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; 070.07
• DOI: 10.1177/10776958211062683
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-6958

Abstract

Although the lack of diversity in newsrooms and reporting remains a serious issue in the journalism industry, college journalism education and student media provide a critical opportunity for change. Yet prior research has found notable diversity gaps in both. This study analyzed the state of diversity at a Midwestern university student newspaper and found significant gaps in coverage of diverse populations. The findings suggest the need for more comprehensive diversity education within the college classroom and campus media advising. This is important not only for more representative student media, but also for the future of journalism.