The IWMF Condemns Racism

The IWMF stands in solidarity with the Black community, and all those demanding justice for the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the countless other Black lives taken at the hands of the police. We are deeply disturbed by the systemic racism, white supremacy and police brutality perpetuated in the U.S., and condemn these heinous acts unequivocally.

Our nation, including the U.S. news media industry, is far behind on dismantling racism. Journalists of color remain vastly underrepresented in newsrooms; to this day, less than three percent of all journalists are Black women. As an industry, we must commit to implementing diverse hiring minimums and ensuring byline balance to uplift Black voices, support Black newsroom leadership and bolster complex, nuanced reporting on racial injustice.

These acts of violence and subsequent protests offer an opportunity to reflect on our own work to create a diverse, equitable media landscape. The IWMF was founded in the belief that the news media should look like the people on whom it reports – this mission means protecting, supporting and promoting Black voices. In this powerful moment, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing this belief.

We all have a role to play in dismantling systemic racism. Black lives matter, and we at the IWMF will continue to stand up against injustice in our society.