From the editor: Here's where our newsroom stands on staff diversity
Mary Ann Cavazos BeckettIt has long been said that real change is not linear. Why? Because it takes time and hard work.
I know this to be true of our Caller-Times newsroom. Three years ago we joined more than 200 other newsrooms across the USA TODAY Network in making a diversity pledge. The goal was simple: build and sustain a workforce that's more reflective of the diversity of the communities we serve. Carrying out that noble mission remains a work in progress.
As part of that commitment, we vowed to publish results each year showing the makeup of our newsroom staff.
This information, a snapshot as of July 1, 2022, includes the gender and racial makeup of our news workforce and our coverage area, as well as for managers within our newsroom.
More:Gannett newsrooms making steady progress in overall diversity
In 2020 — the year the pledge was first made — our South Texas newsroom was among only a handful across the network that drew praise for the diversity of staff. About 38% percent of our staff was Hispanic and we had an even split of men and women. Our leadership team also had a 50/50 split of Hispanics and whites.
Last year, the results still revealed about an even split of men and women, though for a time I was the lone woman on our leadership staff as we looked to fill a role. I'm happy to report that I'm now joined on the editing team by a fellow Latina, Vicky Camarillo, whom I promoted from a reporter role. We're also recruiting for two open positions, which would add another reporter and editor back to our team.
How diverse is the Caller-Times newsroom?
The latest survey shows we've dipped on diversity with only about 28% percent of staff that's Hispanic. The rest are white. Meanwhile, we've maintained a 50/50 split of men and women, some of whom are new to our ranks from the last survey. Remember that because it's a snapshot it doesn't take into account typical staffing changes over time such as when a staffer leaves the company for a new opportunity, and promotions or transfers to other newsrooms in the network. It also doesn't track our interns, who in past years have tended to be people of color more often than not. Many ultimately find themselves back in our newsroom with full-time gigs.
What's the bottom line? We expect setbacks. We celebrate progress. Above all, we keep moving forward.
More:The Caller-Times' 2022 newsroom diversity snapshot: Here are the results.
Mary Ann Cavazos Beckett is the editor of the Caller-Times. The South Texas native supports local journalists who are committed to shining a light on wrongdoing, showcasing human kindness, and telling solutions-based stories that better our communities. If you believe in this work, please consider a subscription.
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