Social Justice Dialogue Powers Diversity and Innovation in Electronic Media

Abstract

For media organizations, the clarion call for more diversity in newsrooms to report and cover the complexities of racial inequality and unrest in the nation dates back more than 50 years. The Kerner Commission Report of 1968 challenged newsrooms to do more than the right thing in terms of hiring so that newsrooms reflect the diversity in their communities. This invited essay explores the progress made and the opportunities yet to be explored in today’s electronic media. The author makes the case for diversity, equity and inclusion as an essential part of any organization trying innovate, grow and retain audiences.