Foreword
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial to Reuters’ mission. They enhance our reporting and allow us to serve our global audience more effectively. In 2023, our coverage of conflicts and elections highlights the importance of diverse perspectives. Our annual Diversity Report documents our progress, especially in diversifying our leadership.
We achieved a three-point increase in female leadership, now at 39%. Our newsroom must reflect our audience’s diversity as we navigate complex global issues, and our commitment remains strong.
Alessandra Galloni, Editor-in-Chief, Reuters
Goals for Diversity
In 2022, Reuters set goals for 2023-2025 to enhance editorial leadership diversity. We aim to increase ethnic and racial diversity in senior leadership by 20% and double Black leaders by 2025. Women should hold 45% of senior positions, and 65% of roles should be filled internally by 2025.
Recent achievements include a 13% increase in Black leaders and an 11% increase in diverse senior leaders, with 54% of roles filled by internal promotions, up from 51%.
Diversity Data
Under the ‘Count Me In’ campaign, employee-supplied diversity data has increased. By December 2023, 68% of staff had provided race or ethnicity data, up from 47% in December 2020.
Gender: Data almost complete across gender categories.
Gender identity: Increased from 15.6% in 2020 to 46.2% in 2023.
Sexual orientation: Increased from 15.3% to 47.2%.
Race and ethnicity: Data provision rose from 47.2% to 68.1%.
Disability: Data rose from 1.7% to 23.4%.
Data collection varies by location and is subject to laws and privacy concerns.
Investing in Talent
Reuters is committed to staff learning and growth. In 2023, the Editorial Learning team offered training initiatives to develop skills in journalists. They revamped bootcamps for new hires and held seminars to enhance leadership in diverse newsrooms.
The newly introduced Editorial Learning Weeks saw participation from over 2,200 journalists across 40 events. Topics ranged from effective writing to generative AI in journalism.
AI and Journalism
Generative AI presents an opportunity for Reuters. Our AI strategy, guided by Trust Principles, aims to integrate AI while maintaining journalistic integrity. Our seasoned editors ensure accuracy and fairness, leveraging AI for efficiency without compromising quality.
AI training engages a diverse range of staff, promoting innovation and overcoming technical barriers. While AI aids tasks, the essence of journalism remains human.
Focus on Race and Justice
In 2023, Reuters launched the Global Race and Justice team to enhance inclusive coverage. This team has created impactful stories on voter roles, prison overcrowding, and diversity efforts.
Efforts focus on diverse perspectives in reporting, with source diversity integrated into newsroom goals. This includes voices from marginalized groups to cover structural inequities.
Advancing Visual Storytelling
The Pictures team tackled gender disparity by increasing women photographers’ assignments to 36% in 2023. This shift reflects a focus on diverse perspectives in storytelling.
Notable efforts include Claudia Daut’s work in Latin America and Masood Ahmad’s progress in Asia, increasing women’s contributions from 4% to 36%.
Nurturing Future Talent
Reuters partners with the Overseas Press Club Foundation to support upcoming journalists. This has been a successful pipeline for new talent worldwide.
Additionally, the Neurodiversity Internship Program, launched in 2020, offers internships to individuals on the autism spectrum, fostering diverse talent in the newsroom.
Mental Health in Journalism
Reuters prioritizes mental health, ensuring journalists have access to support. In 2023, mental health was integrated into editorial risk assessments, offering various resources and activities.
Partnerships with organizations like CiC provide trauma support, emphasizing a mental health-focused workplace culture.
Looking Ahead
Reuters plans to enhance AI training, expand diversity outreach, and offer support for staff well-being. Improved trauma reporting guidelines aim to ensure a diverse and supportive newsroom environment.
Through these ongoing efforts, Reuters aspires to provide high-quality and unbiased journalism.