Diversity and Inclusion Progress at Reuters in 2023

2 months ago 0

Foreword

Diversity and inclusion are key elements of Reuters’ journalistic mission. As we cover global events, the diversity of our sources and journalists is a defining feature. This diversity enhances our newsroom’s strength, improving the depth and quality of our reporting to better serve a global audience. Our ability to blend local knowledge and global insights is showcased through our 2023 coverage of various conflicts and elections worldwide. The dedication of our field reporters embodies Reuters’ values.

The Annual Diversity Report for 2023 highlights progress in building a more inclusive newsroom while recognizing ongoing challenges. We advanced leadership diversity by increasing senior leaders from diverse backgrounds and elevating women in leadership roles from 36% to 39%. However, obstacles remain, particularly in equalizing progression and ensuring equity throughout our newsroom.

As Reuters delivers news in a complex world, our newsroom must mirror the audience we cater to. This objective remains unchanged. — Alessandra Galloni, Editor-in-Chief, Reuters

A Reminder of Our Goals

In 2022, new goals for 2023-2025 were set to boost editorial leadership diversity. Our commitments included increasing senior leadership ethnic and racial diversity by 20%, doubling Black leaders by 2025’s end, ensuring women hold 45% of leadership roles by 2025, and raising internal talent promotions to 65% by 2025 to nurture newsroom growth.

Over 12 months, Black leadership increased by 13%, and representation of diverse senior leaders rose by 11%. The placement of internal talent climbed to 54% from 51%. While further progress is needed, positive strides are evident.

Our Data

Improving Data Collection

Diversity data collection is voluntary, with a campaign launched in 2020 to encourage employees to share details. By December 2023, the composition of data was as follows:

Race or ethnicity: 68% of staff volunteered, up 21 percentage points.
Sexual orientation: 47% volunteered, up 32 percentage points.

Survey data availability:

Year Gender Gender Identity Sexual Orientation Race/Ethnicity Disability

2020 99.90% 15.60% 15.30% 47.20% 1.70%

2021 99.70% 28.30% 28.10% 59.60% 6.80%

2022 99.50% 39.00% 39.60% 63.30% 13.90%

2023 99.70% 46.20% 47.20% 68.10% 23.40%

Year	Gender	Gender Identity	Sexual Orientation	Race/Ethnicity	Disability
2020	99.90%	15.60%	15.30%	47.20%	1.70%
2021	99.70%	28.30%	28.10%	59.60%	6.80%
2022	99.50%	39.00%	39.60%	63.30%	13.90%
2023	99.70%	46.20%	47.20%	68.10%	23.40%

Notes on Data

The data charts keep individual information private. Definitions for senior leadership broadened beyond directors for commercial roles, aligning newsroom management to include editors under the Editor-In-Chief. Some categories remain unspecified; these selections may fill gaps where existing options lack coverage.

Global terminology diverges for categories such as “Asian” and “Black.” Aggregation applies where feasible. Data capture varies, with some permissions absent in certain regions. Voluntary data remains the standard collection method.

Investing in Our Talent

Staff Training and Growth

Learning is vital to workplace equity. Upskilling not only fortifies our newsroom; it keeps us ahead in a changing industry. The Editorial Learning team offered diverse initiatives in 2023 to advance our journalists.

Training opportunities ranged from webinars on journalistic ethics to beat reporting sessions. Bootcamp revamps introduced interactive sessions on cybersecurity, mental health, and career development.

Newsroom Leadership Seminars honed skills for managing a global team, emphasizing well-being.

Focused Learning Weeks

March marked the introduction of Editorial Learning Weeks. More than 2,200 journalists partook in 40 virtual events on topics from effective writing to AI in journalism. E-learning options like the Reuters News Academy enriched self-paced learning opportunities.

Plans for 2024 include extensive AI training, fostering cross-team projects, and allowing flexible roles for career growth.

Building An AI-Infused Newsroom

Generative AI offers transformative possibilities. Reuters ensures adherence to Trust Principles from 1941, guiding reliable, expanding coverage. AI integration doesn’t compromise accuracy or fairness; editors ensure content quality.

Integrity and Bias Mitigation

Reporting integrity is crucial. Biases prompt collaboration between data scientists and engineers to address them per Trust Principles.

Diversity and Innovation in AI

AI training fosters inclusive participation, eliminating barriers and encouraging innovative ideas.

Advancing Meaningful Journalism

While AI assists with research, journalism hinges on human efforts, furthering our legacy.

Building Inclusive Journalism: Reuters’ Commitment to Race and Justice

A Race and Justice team launched in 2023, encompassing U.S.-based, Europe-based correspondents, and a data journalist to explore race-focused stories, achieving impactful work across major topics.

The editor prioritized engagement, enabling journalists to pursue diverse perspectives, emphasizing context and nuance.

Successes include diverse source coverage and the focus on structural issues. Building trust with marginalized groups remains vital amid global inequities.

Enhancing Visual Storytelling

Progress and Highlights from the Pictures Team

Diversity in photography has improved, following strategic changes initiated in 2020. Asian and Latin American team leaders excel in ensuring inclusive coverage; gender diversity enhancements mark significant progress.

Talent Pipeline in Latin America

Women’s representation has increased significantly since 2018, attributed to social media engagement and recruiting seasoned photographers. Mentorship and inclusion fuel ongoing change.

Intentional Inclusivity in Asia

Asia’s gender contributions rose notably, addressing historical challenges. Focus remains on equality and redefining industry perceptions.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Reporters

Diverse voices fuel journalism. Partnerships, such as the Overseas Press Club Foundation and Thomson Reuters Neurodiversity Internship Program, foster narrative expansion.

Overseas Press Club Foundation

Reuters collaborates with the Foundation to support future international correspondents through fellowships and internships, creating a global talent pipeline.

Interns frequently advance to leadership positions, enriched by insightful training.

Building Careers for Neurodiverse Talent

Reuters’ neurodiversity internship program launched amid challenges, offering career paths for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Interns complement newsroom dynamics, underscoring adaptability and communication skills.

Covering the Israel/Gaza Conflict

Challenges remain in reporting conflicts impartially while living the events. Intense emotions require professional focus, exemplified by our team, which manages personal experiences alongside reporting demands.

James Mackenzie, Bureau Chief, praises the resilience and professionalism exhibited during crises, reinforcing newsroom pride.

Prioritizing Mental Health

Mental health enables peak performance. Reuters integrates mental health components into editorial risk assessments, establishing mental safety alongside physical.

Activity highlights included workshops on stress management and discussions on team support and personal care. These initiatives shaped the comprehensive mental health service range available year-round.

Collaboration with CiC expands trauma support globally, offering confidential referrals, peer support, and proactive engagement.

Reuters leaders uphold mental health support as essential, affirming its significance in the journalism industry.

Next steps…

Continued advancement toward a diverse, equitable newsroom includes: