Diversity has never been more important to the future of journalism. Journalists of color are crucial to our expansion online, to our relevance with younger readers and our mission of public service. The Seattle Times announced this week it will eliminate 30 jobs in the newsroom through layoffs and buyouts. One AAJA member has already been told she will no longer have a job.
An NAHJ board member and I met with executive editor Dave Boardman on behalf of the UNITY alliance presidents this week. We encouraged him to preserve diversity for the sake of our paper’s future. Boardman said diversity is a top priority for him, and he will do everything he can to retain journalists of color.
While our business models must change, our core value of diversity cannot.
My job is not in danger, nor is the paper’s support for my campaign for national president.
I remain incredibly optimistic about the future of journalism and AAJA. The industry is shifting but the demand for news has never been greater. More people are accessing the content we produce online, on their iPhones, in print and on television. We will evolve and we will thrive.