Foreword
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components of Reuters’ journalistic mission. The diverse backgrounds of our sources and journalists enhance our ability to cover the world’s events independently and impartially. This diversity enhances the quality of our reports, allowing us to better serve a global audience. In 2023, our coverage of global conflicts and elections highlighted our unique capability to combine local knowledge with global insights. The dedication of our on-ground reporters embodies our cherished values.
Our Annual Diversity Report for 2023 outlines our efforts in fostering an inclusive newsroom while recognizing ongoing challenges. Last year, we worked to diversify our leadership with notable increases in leaders from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We have also seen a rise in female leadership, now at 39%, up from 36%. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly in removing career progression barriers and promoting equity. As Reuters continues to report in a complex world, our newsroom must also reflect the diverse audiences we serve. Alessandra Galloni, Editor-in-Chief, reiterates our unwavering commitment to this goal.
Goals and Achievements
In 2022, we set 2023-2025 goals to enhance diversity in editorial leadership. Our aims include increasing ethnic and racial diversity in senior roles by 20% by 2025, doubling Black leadership, ensuring 45% of senior positions are held by women, and boosting roles filled by internal talent to 65%.
Over the past year, we increased Black leaders by 13% and diverse senior leaders by 11%. Internal role placements rose to 54% from 51%. While work remains, progress is evident.
Data Insights
Diversity data at Reuters is voluntarily provided by employees. Since launching the ‘Count Me In’ campaign in 2020, diversity data submissions have risen significantly. By December 2023, 68% of staff had shared race or ethnicity details, up 21 percentage points since 2020. Similar increases are seen in the reporting of sexual orientation.
Here is the availability of data in our newsroom:
- Gender: High reporting rates consistently over 99% from 2020 to 2023.
- Gender Identity: Increased from 15.6% in 2020 to 46.2% in 2023.
- Sexual Orientation: Grew from 15.3% in 2020 to 47.2% in 2023.
- Race or Ethnicity: Reporting moved from 47.2% in 2020 to 68.1% in 2023.
- Disability: Reporting rose from 1.7% in 2020 to 23.4% in 2023.
Some privacy-related challenges exist. Data categories like “not specified” indicate certain ethnicity options are not available. This data aids in more informed, transparent reporting.
Staff Training and Growth
Journalist upskilling is critical for maintaining an equitable and competitive newsroom. In 2023, we offered diverse training opportunities, from workshops and webinars to boot camps for new hires. Topics included journalistic ethics, cybersecurity, mental health, and career success at Reuters.
We introduced ‘Editorial Learning Weeks’ where over 2,200 journalists engaged in virtual events such as fact-checking and AI-driven journalism sessions. E-learning and our News Academy were enhanced with materials and videos for self-paced learning.
Looking to 2024, we plan to expand AI training and management training. New cross-team projects aim to enhance individual career development.
Integrating AI Responsibility
Generative AI represents an opportunity for Reuters, aligned with our Trust Principles, ensuring innovation does not compromise accuracy or fairness. Our AI efforts focus on model optimization and system integration, always subject to editorial review by experienced editors.
Diverse teams improve our AI strategies; employee involvement in AI workshops supports personalized, innovative solutions.
AI assists with research tasks, but the core of journalism remains the human touch. This is essential for Reuters’ longstanding journalistic legacy.
Global Race and Justice Reporting
In 2023, Reuters enhanced its race and justice coverage with a dedicated team. This team focuses on global stories about race dynamics and justice. Early successes include U.S. election Black voter influence, prison overcrowding, and indigenous rights stories.
As Race and Justice Editor, Kat Stafford emphasizes source diversity integrated into newsroom goals, ensuring comprehensive storytelling. Efforts include dismantling diversity bias in reporting and fostering trust with marginalized communities. Challenges persist, and race and gender considerations are increasingly central to journalistic beats worldwide.
Visual Storytelling and Gender Diversity
As the Global Editor of Reuters Pictures, Rickey Rogers has championed efforts to address gender disparity in photography. A detailed strategy has led to increased assignments for women photographers, notably in Asia and Latin America.
The proportion of contributions from women photographers has grown significantly. Initiatives to enhance gender diversity focus on discovering new talent and providing mentorship.
Talent Pipeline and Internships
Reuters partners with the Overseas Press Club Foundation to support aspiring international correspondents. Selected students receive fellowships and internships, leading many to significant careers within Reuters.
The Neurodiversity Internship Program offers opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum, fostering job integration while reshaping understanding of workplace contributions.
Covering Conflict: The Israel/Gaza Conflict
Reporting on the Israel/Gaza conflict presents unique challenges for journalists navigating personal and professional impacts. Our team balances these while maintaining accuracy and objectivity. The diverse backgrounds of our reporters enrich coverage.
Despite personal adversities, the professionalism exhibited by the team has been laudable, reflecting the diverse and committed newsroom spirit.
Mental Health Prioritization
Mental well-being is crucial for high-performing journalists. We have enhanced access to mental health resources, embedding well-being into risk assessments and providing continuous support.
Activities during Mental Health Awareness Week encouraged self-care and resilience-building, complementing available services such as trauma counseling and Peer Network support.
Commitment to Improvement
Our ongoing efforts focus on increasing AI training, expanding diverse talent outreach, supporting leadership growth, and ensuring trauma-informed reporting. These initiatives support a diverse, inclusive, and equitable newsroom.
Creating an environment where all feel valued ensures we deliver high-quality, diverse perspectives to our audience.
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