However, it was not clear how many of those photos were of blacks involved in the criminal justice system. Instead I hope the public will express its approval of our improvement. The meeting, though, left undefined just what our goals are with diversity. Some wanted to know whether reporters would be required to quote at least one African-American or female in every story. If that is the intent of diversity, then it is too simplistic.
Diversity takes work.
Reporters must make an effort to build a bank of minority sources who can speak on a wide array of subjects, such as banking, medicine, the environment and mental health. Building a list is one thing, but reporters must feel comfortable and compelled to use it. Editors must push their reporters to interview people of color. We are still trying to figure out what diversity in news coverage means at our newspaper. That s a good thing.