Dexter Rogers’s story “The White World of Sports Journalism” is another eye opener. According to his research there are hardly any African-American sports writers covering major sports teams, which are predominately black.
So what does this say about Latinos in sports journalism? Are we even represented in the pack of sports reporters?
It’s sad that in 2011 this is STILL an issue. There’s a need for diversity in reporting staffs, because sometimes certain people we interview are going to speak more openly and freely with a person who is a reflection of them in culture, background and experiences.
I know as a female reporter, I have the advantage many times when I’m covering for example a woman who is a victim of a crime. Odds are she’s going to feel more comfortable with me because I am a woman. That’s as simple as it gets.
Aside from that, it’s just the right thing to have diversity in reporting staffs. I mean qualified reporters of color are available. Are we even given a chance to interview for these sports reporting jobs?
We’re not going to see more minority reporters in sports or news if we don’t speak up. Minority journalism groups should also take a stand and not be afraid to demand more of some of these big media corporations that put out the “equal opportunity” rug, but don’t really open the door for us.
Kudos to Dexter Rogers for bringing this issue to our attention. It’s sad that this is 2011 and in sports journalism it’s more like 1940.
