Local TV Newsroom Diversity: Race and Gender of Newscasters and Their Managers

ABSTRACT Research has shown that minority newscasters can increase media interest and trust among minority viewers, while also finding people of color are underrepresented as members of the media. This study collected race and gender data of 4,317 newscasters from 64 U.S. television markets, as well as their news directors and general managers. It examines relationships between diversity of on-air staffs and race and gender of management, market size, and location. The study found news teams are significantly more diverse at stations with minorities in leadership positions. It considers the implications of these findings using representation theory.