A Skills-driven Approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Journalism Curricula

Abstract

ABSTRACT Though journalism aspires to confront and dismantle systemic injustices, the real-world practice of journalism has often caused harm to marginalized communities and further entrenched oppressive systems of power. As part of larger efforts to examine and address the problems in journalism practice and journalism education, this study sought to identify ways that curricula of communication skills courses might be changed to train journalists in more ethical and less harmful practices. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts recognized for their contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work at academic institutions, media outlets, or other organizations. Transcripts of these interviews were analyzed using a constant comparative approach to arrive at three recommendations for curricula changes. After analysis was complete, four experts participated in follow-up interviews to address additional questions. First, experts recommended that instructors place more focus on skills like beat-building and follow-up, which connect reporters to sources and issues even when they are not reporting specific stories. Second, experts advised instructors to cultivate “soft skills” such as curiosity, empathy, and compassion. Third, the authors urge instructors to reconsider course content that promotes extractive practices. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.