Current (https://current.org/series/diversity/)

Special coverage: Diversity in public media

Public broadcasting has a unique role in U.S. media as a source of noncommercial educational programs. For decades it has aspired to represent American life in all of its diversity. Public media have many ways to include new voices and reach underserved audiences as demographic and technological changes reshape the field. Yet determined leaders and risk-takers who share an even broader conception of public service call for a sharper focus and commitment to a bolder vision of public media’s future.

System/Policy

Thoughts on reflecting diverse views, and including them

By Matt Cipollone and Michael Henry | November 17, 2016

What’s really involved in the hard work of broadening public media’s range of voices?

System/Policy

To reach new and diverse audiences, expand coverage and report with nuance

By Matt Cipollone and Michael Henry | November 18, 2016

Public media journalists give their recommendations.

Diversity

Why work in public media?

By Michael Henry and Matt Cipollone | November 21, 2016

Making a difference, serving the audience — people who work in public media explain why they devote themselves to the job.

Diversity in Public Media

Wanted: More career paths into leadership

By April Simpson, Associate Editor | July 21, 2016

Managers and executives of color say the diversity deficit within top ranks is hindering public media’s progress.

Diversity in Public Media

A letter from our executive director

By Julie Drizin, Executive Director | July 21, 2016

What are you doing to ensure that your station or organization reaches into diverse communities?

Diversity in Public Media

Localore project at Oklahoma’s KOSU reveals possibilities for Native news coverage

By Dru Sefton, Senior Editor | July 21, 2016

Approaching Native issues can be daunting to non-Native journalists.

Diversity in Public Media

Chicago’s Vocalo reins in eclectic approach but keeps focus on younger audience

By Tyler Falk, Assistant Editor | July 21, 2016

With CPB’s backing, the station is exploring whether its format could expand to other cities.

Programs/Content

For StoryCorps, seeking more diverse participation laid foundation for growth

By Jill Goldsmith | July 21, 2016

The oral-history nonprofit has taken a series of steps to diversify its staff and increase contributions from underrepresented communities.

System/Policy

Diversity at NPR: “Clearly, there’s a lot more work to do”

By April Simpson, Associate Editor | July 25, 2016

One area needing attention is recruitment of Latinos, particularly in supervisory roles.

Programs/Content

Code Switch’s Alicia Montgomery on leading conversations about race

By Adam Ragusea, Journalist in Residence and Visiting Assistant Professor, Mercer University Center for Collaborative Journalism | July 14, 2016

“We’re here to give you the complicated story.”

Programs/Content

With American electorate more diverse than ever, PBS election specials explore impact of shift

By Alyssa Anderson | July 5, 2016

The New Deciders and Willie Velasquez: Empowering the People are set to air this fall.

System/Policy

Seven ways public media can attract a more diverse workforce

By Adam Ragusea, Journalist in Residence and Visiting Assistant Professor, Mercer University Center for Collaborative Journalism | June 27, 2016

Panelists at the Public Radio News Directors Inc. conference shared tips on recruiting and retaining people of color.

Diversity in Public Media

A guide to organizations bringing diversity to public media

By Dru Sefton, Senior Editor | July 21, 2016

These 14 groups are tasked with goals that support diversity in public media content.

System/Policy

Focus on sources’ race won’t be enough to close public radio’s diversity deficit

By Keith Woods | July 21, 2016

“If we in public radio are to live up to the ‘public’ part of our mission, we’ll have to change more than just the people we interview,” writes NPR’s Keith Woods.

Diversity in Public Media

AIR studies impact of Localore events aimed at diverse communities

By Sue Schardt | July 21, 2016

Edison Research is gathering and analyzing polling data from Localore events.