NAHJ Concerned With Slow Progress In Diversifying Newsrooms Despite Slight Gains.

The percentage of Latinos employed at our nation’s daily newspapers barely climbed from 3.86 percent in 2001 to 4.04 last year, according to the annual newsroom census released by the American Society of Newspaper Editors April 8 at the organization’s annual convention in New Orleans.

The census also found that the percentage of minority journalists climbed slightly from 12.1 percent to 12.5 percent.

The study reported that the number of Latino journalists increased by 114, from 2098 in 2001 to 2,212 in 2002, and increased for all minorities from 6,600 to 6,900. Asian Americans experienced the largest employment gains, increasing from 1,283 to 1,435.

“While the improvement is better than in past years, the pace of progress is still inadequate given the enormous growth of the nation’s Latino population and the historic under-representation of Latinos in the newsroom,” said NAHJ President Juan Gonzalez. “We are encouraged that ASNE members recognize that their efforts have been insufficient and are seeking new
initiatives.”

Currently, minorities make up 31 percent of the U.S. population and Latinos 13 percent. Minorities are projected to make up 38 percent of the U.S. population by 2025, the year ASNE set as its goal for reaching parity.

ASNE’s census also found other troubling trends. The percentage of minority interns declined from 31.1 percent in 2001 to 30.6 in 2002 and the percentage of minorities who are supervisors declined from 20 percent to 19 percent. Overall, minorities make up 9.9 percent of all newsroom supervisors.

NAHJ has called on ASNE to release more information from its annual census by providing breakouts on the racial and ethnic make up of newsroom employees for each newspaper responding to the survey.

This month, the NAHJ will launch its Parity Project. In selected cities, we will offer to work jointly with existing print and broadcast outlets, area journalism schools, foundations and Latino community leaders to develop comprehensive model programs that will increase Latino newsroom presence and influence.

“ASNE’s clear devotion to newsroom parity is commendable, but our industry needs to see dramatic improvement in practice,” said Gonzalez. “That is why NAHJ is launching a new initiative, the Parity Project, this month. We are ready to cooperate with ASNE and our colleagues in the industry to reach our common goal.”