Challenging Assumptions about Ownership and Diversity: An Examination of U.S. Local On-Air Television Newsroom Personnel

ABSTRACT Media ownership and diversity have been areas of concern for the U.S.’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for decades. In this study, the effects of ownership type and network affiliation upon ethnic and racial diversity within U.S. television newsrooms were explored. An exploratory content analysis of local television stations (N = 232) was undertaken to compare the diversity levels of on-air personnel for stations that were network owned-and-operated, as well as stations involved in Shared Services Agreements (SSAs). Findings reveal some significant positive effects for network owned-and-operated stations, but none for SSA-attached stations. Network affiliate status also did not play a significant role.