The journalism industry continues to struggle with representation and leadership diversity, particularly for women and racial minorities, as highlighted by a recent Nieman Reports article. According to the latest census from the American Society of News Editors (ASNE), women currently make up 35.4 percent of supervisory roles in print newspapers—a minimal increase from 33.8 percent in 1999. Furthermore, women lead only three out of the 25 largest U.S. newspapers and just one of the top 25 international titles. Overall, women represent 37.2 percent of newspaper employees, with a modest increase of just three-tenths of a percent since 1999. Racial minorities are even less represented, holding only 13 percent of overall roles.
In broadcast media, the statistics are similarly concerning. A 2014 survey by the Radio Television Digital News Association revealed that women account for just 31 percent of news directors and 20 percent of general managers. The representation is particularly low in radio, with women making up only 23 percent of news directors and 18 percent of general managers.
This lack of diversity in leadership is not confined to the United States; a survey of 500 media companies across nearly 60 countries found that men occupy 73 percent of management positions globally. The issue extends beyond journalism, as demonstrated by the fact that women represent only 4.8 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. The data underscores the pressing need for increased female and minority representation in leadership roles across the media landscape and beyond.