By: Jennifer Saba As E&P reported Wednesday, the vast majority of newsrooms at U.S. daily newspapers do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. The study, conducted by Bill Dedman and Stephen K. Doig, found that only 13% of newspapers responding have "reached the American Society of Newspaper Editors' goal of parity."
Dead last on the list is the Gallup (N.M.) Independent, where its newsroom has the least amount of diversity "where the circulation area is 93% non-white."
Darrel Beehner, the Independent's managing editor, commented on the study and his paper's standing: "I had never heard that, but I don't doubt that's true. It's not for a lack of trying."
Beehner is trying to reach out to Native Americans and Hispanics to fill positions in the newsroom, but claims it's been a tricky line to straddle. He said that he recently posted a request for resumes on Journalismjobs.com, suggesting that Navajo and Spanish-speaking applicants would be given consideration. "I had to remove the ad," Beehner said, adding that people might view it as reverse discrimination. "If someone out there is interested, we'd appreciate the applications."
The paper also reaches out to the Native American community by communicating with the public affairs office at various organizations. "We're holding the door open to them in regard to jobs and to better communicate with the newspaper," Beehner said.
Though the newsroom lacks diversity, Beehner points out the paper as a whole is more representative; two-thirds of the staff is either Hispanic or Native American.
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