Topics for Discussion Pages 178-179

Topics for Discussion Pages 178-179

Statistics about racial/ethnic representation in various media fields, such as newspapers, broadcasting, and others tell a very disappointing story; not very many media outlets are hiring minorities, and they are non-existent in positions of power. Media executives in many large multinational media companies admitted that they were unable to seriously recruit substantial numbers of minorities or promote women with any sense of urgency, though they said that they were trying. I feel that is data is useful in some ways because it further demonstrates that minorities and women continue to be marginalized in the media.


The basis for supporting diversity has always been as an extension of democratic theory that claims that everyone in society should be able to participate fully and completely in the processes of democracy. The press is a tool in the democratic process; full and representative coverage of society requires coverage of minority groups and communities.


Groups like Unity are beneficial because they allow minority journalists an opportunity to meet and discuss the complexities of the profession and to promote common concerns and needs. These groups give minorities a place to come together and be recognized for their work.



The most visible and important leaders in media diversity are groups like Unity, such as the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), the Asian American Association (AAJA), and the Native American Press Association (NAPA). These groups get together and express their concerns and complaints about the staffing and coverage patterns of U.S. media. I don’t think that the general public has knowledge of these groups or their fight for equality in the media.


When I think of visible minorities and women in the U.S. media, Oprah Winfrey and Connie Chung come to mind. These women are middle aged and I cannot think of any young minority or woman in a place of power in the media. I feel that the only way minorities, women, or youth are going to be seen in media is only on cable entertainment shows like BET or MTV. I have never seen a minority woman or youth in a position of power in mainstream media.