UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc.


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Preparing to meet the industry's challenges

By Jeanne Mariani-Belding
AAJA President

These are indeed difficult times. Across our industry and across the board, journalists are seeing dramatic changes. And those changes are too often accompanied by downsizing or consolidation, and the resulting cutbacks and layoffs.

AAJA is deeply concerned about continued cutbacks and layoffs at media companies throughout the country —- a situation that has had an impact on our members, as well as our goal of increasing diversity in the newsroom and in news coverage of our communities.

A recent survey of our membership indicated increasing apprehension regarding job security in particular and the future of the journalistic profession in general. Survey respondents cited the need for skills building and greater advocacy on behalf of minority journalists. That remains a core part of our mission.

And now more than ever, AAJA is committed to working with our alliance partners through UNITY: Journalists of Color to keep diversity goals and initiatives on the radar of media companies across the nation. Additionally, we will continue to offer our resources to help our members cope with the uncertainties of our profession — from our career listings to enhanced training, to internship and fellowship opportunities.

Going forward, AAJA is taking steps to better prepare our members for this competitive, ever-changing multimedia environment. Our 2007 convention will feature mid-career skills building sessions addressing our changing roles, where print, online and broadcast have become one. Our student media projects will operate in a convergence newsroom for the first time, preparing young people for the 24/7 industry they are about to enter. And we’re revamping our national programs to ensure they are relevant and provide the best training possible for our members.

These are indeed challenging times. With challenges come opportunities.
This year, you will see a difference as AAJA finds innovative ways to evolve with the industry, ensure that our members thrive amid the changes, and remind industry leaders to continue with diversity as a top priority.