Poynter study finds diversity-quality connection in news

10.19.01

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The Poynter Institute has released information on a new study about commitment to newsroom diversity and quality of newspaper content.

The two-year study commissioned by the journalism institute shows a connection between dedication to diversity and quality journalism.

"When there is strong agreement in the newsroom across racial and ethnic lines on the importance of diversity, coverage of traditionally under-covered groups is not only broader, but it is more substantive and more fair," Poynter's Web site reports.

The project, called "News & Race Models of Excellence," was led by Ted Pease, journalism professor at Utah State University. Veteran journalism researchers Erna Smith of San Francisco State University and Federico Subervi of the University of Texas-Austin worked with Pease.

Newspaper leaders examining the study in discussions at Poynter have set forth a number of ideas on next steps that newspaper newsrooms might wish to take in response to the findings.

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