Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Diversity in Radio Newsrooms Hits Record Highs


According to the latest research conducted by the Radio Television Digital News Association and Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University, the percentage of women and people of color in local radio newsrooms is the highest it has been in more than 20 years - the third highest level ever. Additionally, the percentage of radio news directors of color is at the highest level in five years. However, these numbers still show an industry well behind an ever-increasing population of people of color in the U.S.

Diversity in local TV newsrooms also reached record highs for the second year in a row. The Newsroom Diversity Report also shows that for the first time ever, more than a quarter of the local TV news workforce is people of color.

"This research is both a cause for celebration and a call to action for our industry to do even better in its efforts to ensure newsroom staffs represent the diversity of the communities they serve," said Dan Shelley, RTDNA Executive Director. "It's gratifying to see improvement in the radio news sector, but clearly there is more to be done to ensure radio newsrooms contain a diverse workforce."

The report also assesses gender diversity in newsrooms, showing more women in the local TV news workforce and in leadership roles than ever. According to the report, women also made significant gains in local radio news, making up 44.4% of the workforce compared to last year's 34.3%. Furthermore, local radio management is the most diverse in the last five years, with the percentage of women in management positions up significantly.

"It's clear from this research that America's broadcast companies and high-level executives are taking diversity seriously and making significant progress," added Shelley. "Yes, there's more to be accomplished, but our industry has reason to be proud of the achievements it has made thus far."

The RTDNA/Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2018 among all 1,685 operating, non-satellite television stations and a random sample of 3,481 radio stations. Valid responses came from 1,310 television stations (77.7%) and 645 radio news directors and general managers representing 1,938 radio stations. Some data sets (e.g. the number of TV stations originating local news, getting it from others and women TV news directors) are based on a complete census and are not projected from a smaller sample.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

iHeartMedia Chicago Names Kashon Powell VP of Programming
Kashon Powell
Kashon Powell
iHeartMedia Chicago has named veteran programmer Kashon Powell as its new Vice President of Programming, overseeing WGCI-FM, WVAZ-FM, WGRB-AM, and WMFN-AM, effective August 18. Powell brings more than three decades of radio experience to the role, including leadership positions at both Urban One and More

Andrews Returns to Audacy Wisconsin as BM/Afternoons
Brett Andrews
Brett Andrews
Audacy appoints Brett Andrews as Brand Manager for WMHX-FM (Mix 105.1 FM) in Madison and Assistant Brand Manager for both WMYX-FM (99.1 The Mix) and WXSS-FM (103.7 Kiss FM) in Milwaukee, effective July 14. In addition to his leadership roles, Andrews will host afternoons on 99.1 The Mix, airing weekdays from More

Commuting on the Rise in 2025, Boosting Radio's Reach
Katz Radio Group
Katz Radio Group
New research from Katz Radio Group, analyzing the latest YouGov workforce data, reveals that commuting in the U.S. has surged in 2025, with more than 7 in 10 employed adults now traveling to jobs outside the home. The trend marks a 29% increase in commuting since 2020, signaling a More
Advertisement

FCC Removes Nearly 3,000 Words of Rules in DDD Initiative
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken new steps in its ongoing effort to eliminate outdated and unnecessary regulations under its "Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative, removing approximately 2,991 words and 41 rules from its regulatory code. The Commission's latest action targets what it More

Soros Fund, Del Nin Seek Dismissal of Warshaw Lawsuit
Jeffrey Warshaw
Jeffrey Warshaw
The legal dispute between Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw and Soros Fund Management (SFM) intensified this week as SFM and its Head of Media Investments, Michael Del Nin, moved to dismiss Warshaw's lawsuit and demanded revisions to his complaint. Warshaw filed suit last month in Connecticut More

Covino & Rich to Air Live from 2025 MLB All-Star Game
Covino & Rich
Covino & Rich
FOX Sports Radio's afternoon duo Covino & Rich will take over morning duties next week with special live coverage of Major League Baseball's 95th All-Star Game, airing July 14-16 from Atlanta. With The Dan Patrick Show on vacation, Covino & Rich will move into the 9am-12pm ET slot for a special All-Star Week More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement