The journalism industry is severely lacking in leadership by women and racial minorities, according to the Nieman Reports story published Wednesday. This year’s census by the American Society of News Editors (ASNE), which looked at diversity at print newspapers, shows women accounting for 35.4 percent of supervisors. This barely marks an increase from 1999, when women made up 33.8 percent of supervisors. Women run three out of the 25 biggest U.S. titles and one of the top 25 international titles. They make up 37.2 percent of overall newspaper employees, a whole three-tenths of a percent increase from 1999. Racial minorities fare even worse, comprising 13 percent of overall employees.

Answer 1

The journalism industry continues to face significant challenges in achieving diversity and representation among its leadership ranks, as highlighted by a recent Nieman Reports article and the latest census from the American Society of News Editors (ASNE). The data reveals that women hold only 35.4 percent of supervisory positions, a marginal increase from 33.8 percent in 1999. Furthermore, women lead just three of the largest 25 newspapers in the United States, as well as one of the top 25 international publications. Overall, they represent 37.2 percent of newspaper employees, showing a minimal rise of three-tenths of a percent since 1999.

The situation is even more concerning for racial minorities, who make up only 13 percent of the workforce in newspapers. This underscores the need for more comprehensive efforts to promote gender and racial diversity within the industry, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles. The slow pace of change highlights longstanding systemic issues that must be addressed to create a more inclusive environment in journalism.