There is a lot of attention placed on recruiting. Development, too often, comes to a screeching halt. If they run the numbers, they'll get the results. Research studies have shown that reporters don't leave newspapers, they leave editors. We need to recognize talent, nurture it and be willing to create a newsroom culture where all journalists feel valued.
Many minorities come into the business to cover certain kinds of stories.
If those people don't get to do them, the numbers will dissipate. Attention to reporter needs, more mentoring and bigger pay scales. Attention and mentoring come from the immediate supervisors and upper level editors. One thing editors need to do is to keep reporters in the loop. Take them to lunch.