How three nonprofit news outlets put DEI into practice

In conjunction with the Institute for Nonprofit News’ (INN) 2023 Index Report, this research* explores how nonprofit news outlets are building more diverse, equitable and inclusive places to work. This research is a part of INN’s recently released 2023 Index Report, which includes data from an annual survey of independent news organizations that are members of INN, with a deep dive into diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the nonprofit news sector. 

About the case studies

These case studies were developed using the following data: (1) information from INN’s 2023 Index data, (2) a DEI organizational assessment survey — given to the organization after it was selected as a case study — that used theory and scales from Washington Race Equity & Justice Initiative’s (REJI) Organizational Assessment as well as resources from Race Forward and (3) focus groups with leadership and staff.  

The INN 2023 Index data was used to select the news outlets for these case studies as well as to generate the focus group questions. INN reached out to three nonprofit news outlets that illustrate the sector’s major challenges and opportunities related to DEI.    

The DEI organizational assessment was sent to all staff and leadership at the news outlet. This survey was completed after the focus group. The survey focused on the different ways DEI values shape the day-to-day operations and assessed the impact of those policies. 

We paid more attention to efforts focused on equity and inclusion by moving away from checkbox diversity and toward understanding and implementing DEI as a value system. A few of our questions included:

• How are news outlets building an inclusive workspace that prioritizes the retention of staff and leadership?
• How are news outlets investing in the professional development and growth of journalists of color on staff? 
• How are news leaders building windows for feedback and change (and how are they holding themselves accountable to their staff)? 
• How do news outlets understand and implement DEI plans, strategies and frameworks within their organization?

Key Findings

Through our conversations and surveys we were able to identify several strategic considerations that other news outlets could explore within their own organizations. These include: 

• Leadership should rely on those with expertise to lead DEI work (e.g. hiring consultants, working with external evaluators). It is important to also tie that work to tangible metrics and goals while also ensuring that any outside consultant used is a good fit for your organization. 
• Don’t be afraid to fail. DEI work is about growth, and acknowledging the areas of weakness within your organization is an important first step in this work.
• Lean into “radical transparency.”  Radical transparency is pre-emptive — it provides staff across your organization with information whether or not it may impact them. This reinforces the need to center DEI values in business operations to ensure that everyone from the top executives to the newest junior staff member has the same understanding of your organization’s initiatives and goals.
• Don’t rely on traditional structures and methods to lead a culturally diverse team. Acknowledge the barriers existing structures may create for your organization.

These findings help provide an important first step in understanding how news outlets currently understand and practice DEI while also providing context on the challenges that news outlets face in engaging with this work.

* These case studies were produced as part of a partnership with the Diversity Pledge Institute (DPI) — a nonprofit dedicated to research, analysis and education related to inclusivity and belonging in journalism.