Diversity and Inclusion at Reuters in 2023

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of Reuters’ journalism mission. Reporting on global events is bolstered by the remarkable diversity within their sources and journalists. The newsroom’s diverse fabric enhances the depth and quality of reporting, allowing Reuters to better cater to a global audience. This year, coverage of worldwide conflicts and elections demonstrates the unique ability to blend local insights with global perspectives. The dedication and resilience of reporters on the ground exemplify the core values held by Reuters.

In the 2023 Annual Diversity Report, significant progress is documented in developing a more inclusive newsroom while addressing ongoing challenges. Progress has been seen in diversifying leadership with more senior leaders from racially or ethnically diverse backgrounds. There is a notable increase in the proportion of women in leadership, rising to 39% from 36%. Despite these advances, addressing barriers to progression and promoting equity at all levels remains a priority. As Reuters delivers crucial news in a complex world, reflecting the audiences served is essential. The commitment to this goal is unwavering.

“You can read last year’s report here.”

Goals for Diversity Enhancement

In 2022, specific diversity goals were set for 2023-2025 to enhance editorial leadership diversity:

• Increasing ethnic and racial diversity in senior leadership by 20% by 2025
• Doubling the number of Black leaders by 2025
• Ensuring women hold 45% of senior leadership roles by 2025
• Promoting internal talent to fill 65% of roles by 2025

Over the past year, there has been a 13% increase in Black leaders and an 11% improvement in representation among racially and ethnically diverse senior leaders. Internal talent fills 54% of the roles, up from 51%. Although work remains, progress is evident.

Diversity Data Collection

Voluntary employee data: The Count Me In campaign launched in 2020 boosts diversity data collection. By December 2023, 68% of newsroom staff volunteered race or ethnicity details, up 21 percentage points since 2020; 47% provided sexual orientation details, up 32 percentage points.

Data availability:

• Gender: near complete collection
• Gender identity: significant increase since 2020
• Race or ethnicity: comparable growth
• Disability: marked increase

Notes on data: Charts based on data from Dec 31, 2023; aggregated to protect privacy. Definitions vary: senior leadership includes all managers below Editor-In-Chief, while directorial levels mirror Thomson Reuters. Cultural variations in terms like “Asian” and “Black” are accounted for. In some regions, legal restrictions limit data collection on race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Staff Training and Development

Learning is vital for equitable workplaces. Upskilling enriches the newsroom and positions Reuters ahead in evolving industries. In 2023, editorial learning initiatives were plentiful:

Training sessions: Diverse sessions catered to journalistic ethics, cybersecurity, mental health, and career success.

Seminars: Leadership seminars enhanced managers’ abilities to handle a global newsroom.

Focused Learning Weeks: In March, editorial Learning Weeks encouraged professional development. More than 2,200 journalists participated in 40 virtual events.

Generative AI and Journalism

Generative AI at Reuters: AI offers transformative journalism opportunities. Trust Principles remain central, guiding expansion while maintaining reliability and impartiality. AI must enhance speed and efficiency without compromising accuracy.

Integrity and Bias: Ensuring unbiased reporting aligns with Trust Principles. Diversity involvement in AI training promotes innovation.

Race and Justice Reporting

In September 2023, Reuters launched a Global Race and Justice team. Comprising a U.S.-based correspondent, a Europe-based correspondent, and a data journalist, the team focuses on stories through a race and justice lens. Stories include the importance of Black voters in U.S. elections and prison overcrowding ahead of Paris Olympics.

Achievements: Early success in dismantling diversity issues in Tesla’s lawsuits and global reparations.

Visual Storytelling Progress

Photography Team Diversity: Women photographers’ assignments in Latin America rose from 14% in 2018 to 36% in 2023, guided by data.

Asia Photography Contributions: Photo contributions by women grew from 4% in 2018 to 36% in 2023.

Commitment to confronting outdated perspectives and achieving equal representation is vital.

Diverse Paths for Future Journalists

Overseas Press Club Foundation Partnership: Supports new international correspondents through fellowships and scholarships. Internships foster future careers, as seen with Caroline Stauffer’s journey at Reuters.

Neurodiversity Internship Program: Creates job opportunities for those on the autism spectrum. The program launched in challenging times and now supports 20 interns in Bangalore.

Covering the Israel/Gaza Conflict

Reuters’ reporters balance objective reporting with personal impacts of living within conflict zones. Exceptional work is done amidst emotional strain.

Mental Health Support: Integrated into editorial risk assessments to prioritize psychological well-being.

Supporting Mental Health at Reuters

Strong mental health enables journalists to excel. Reuters builds resilience through resources and support systems.

• Regular initiatives and mental health services, including trauma counseling and emergency programs
• Peer Network providing confidential support
• Art classes as creative outlets
• Resource hub for pertinent mental health information

Partnership with CiC: Offers global trauma support tailored for journalism-related stress.

Commitment to sustaining mental health-focused workplace culture is ongoing.

Future Diversity Initiatives

Continual progress towards improved diversity, inclusion, and equity. Look out for:

• Enhanced AI training
• Expanded talent outreach
• Editorial leadership circles
• Cross-team project opportunities
• Mental health support training for managers
• Trauma reporting guidance
• Editorial accelerator program for local talent

A diverse newsroom creates a robust understanding of the world. Valuing and empowering all contributes to serving audiences with diverse, high-quality reporting.