Study journalism and make a difference for Indian peoples

02.21.01

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American Indians are by far the most underrepresented people of color in the news media — and stereotypical and erroneous newspaper coverage of Indian issues and Indian peoples shows it. The American Society of Newspaper Editors reported in its 2000 employment survey that fewer than 300 of the more than 56,000 employees in daily newsrooms were Native Americans.

It is important that American Indians work as reporters, editors, photographers and graphics artists at mainstream newspapers. Better-informed and accurate coverage of reservations, tribal communities and Indian Country will promote improved understanding and relations between Indian and non-Indian peoples, and expand opportunities for Native Americans.

Improving diversity — having even one Native American working in a newsroom — makes a newspaper more aware of Indians in its community and more sensitive and intelligent in reporting stories about them.

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Faces of Diversity: Jomay Steen
Careful reporting on Native American and other issues.  08.03.01