Women Journalists of Color: Present Without Power
Message from the IWMF

There are now more women of color working in the U.S. news media than ever before. There have been some significant strides in the hiring of both minority women and men in this field. The unfortunate reality, however, is that in all but a few rare cases, women journalists of color are not positioned to make decisions about what becomes news. In effect, women of color have established a presence in the news gathering process, but they have acquired very little influence over news content or product. As a whole, these women are present, yet they are without power and without a voice.

Intensifying the situation is the fact that those who do have the power to make changes in America's newsrooms have failed to do so and seem uncertain about the solutions to this problem. They have fallen short of creating an environment where the voices of minority women journalists can be heard and their concerns addressed.

The IWMF embarked upon this landmark study to take an in-depth look at the persistent barriers that have become a reality to women journalists of color in the United States. We have learned that women of color are qualified and ready to move into the highest levels of the news media, yet are frustrated at every turn by a range of obstacles and a lack of support. As a result, many become disenchanted and lose the enthusiasm and optimism they had when entering the field.

By surveying women journalists of color and newsroom managers, the IWMF has discovered that the typical American news organization faces a crucial challenge, one that could literally help foster long-term success or signal yet another step toward obsolescence. The results of this study show there is a general acknowledgement of the values and contributions that women of color can make to ensuring that the news reflects the community. There is a sense that more can and needs to be done to lower the barriers that have kept representative numbers of women from moving into decision-making positions.

However, there remains an enormous gap between how each group sees the work environment, the effectiveness of training and promotion programs, and a persistent communications problem that often leaves both managers and journalists frustrated and defensive. This study serves as a wake-up call to news directors around the country that they must take a hard look at their hiring, retention and diversity programs.

The IWMF has always maintained that no press is truly free unless women share the same opportunities and have an equal voice with their male colleagues. This study gives us a better idea of the perceptions and obstacles of women journalists of color. Armed with this information, we are all challenged - media managers and journalists alike - to make America's media a more inclusive and diverse field in the next millennium.

Cynthia Tucker
The Atlanta Constitution
Diversity Project Chair

Maureen Bunyan
WJLA-TV
IWMF Co-Chair