Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1325752
A Call for More Inclusivity in Media C overage of important happenings such as the global coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 national election and ongoing peaceful protests have revealed the need for the news media to address its own issues with inclusion and equity. To explore this topic, the SAG-AFTRA President's Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement hosted the Covering the Story of Race livestream on Dec. 1. The panel included anchor and WGN Chicago political reporter Tahman Bradley, NBC/Telemundo anchor and reporter Lucy Bustamante, and KPCC L.A. veteran and criminal justice reporter Emily Elena Dugdale. Moderating the discussion was Peabody Award-winning journalist and retired news anchor Carolyn Tyler, who covered numerous social, economic and political issues during her tenure at ABC7 San Francisco. Drawing from current events and their professional experiences, guest speakers discussed how the lack of diversity in media continues to impact storytelling in the news. Topics ranged from the need for more people of color in higher-ranked news positions to ongoing challenges in connecting with audiences within minority and fringe communities. "There are stations that don't have good demographic information on their audience and it makes it hard to know who you are talking to," said Dugdale. "We need to understand that we are reaching a lot of different people and identities and places. It is not fair to just say, 'We will reach them,' [if we're not sure] who we're even talking about." The panel concluded with a discussion about ways to bring long-lasting, systemic change to the industry, such as more inclusive mentorship and paid internship opportunities that lower the barriers of entry for aspiring journalists. To watch the panel in full, visit sagaftra.org/videos.