Helen - Diversity

The American Society of Newspaper Editors, ASNE, is an organization that promotes fair and principled journalism, defends and protects First Amendment rights, and champions freedom of information and open government. It was founded in 1992 to focus on leadership development and journalism-related issues. It is a nonprofit professional organization with initiatives that include: leadership, innovation, diversity, inclusive coverage, the journalism workforce, youth journalism, and the sharing of ideas.

ASNE is an important organization for many working in the media as one of its initiatives focuses on the freedom of information, this includes providing resources on laws and the sharing of information. The organization explains the Free Flow Information Act, and keeps members, or visitors to their website, current on changes or additions to existing laws. It also provides explanations as to how new laws and changes to laws will effect the journalistic process.

The organization champions diversity in the newsroom and believes that is important to include diverse coverage in the news. It has set benchmarks to included a more diverse workforce to adequately cover communities and reflect the racial diversity of American society by 2025.

ASNE also promotes the development of youth in journalism. It supports fledgling journalists in an effort to build a more diverse workforce for the future. By doing so the organization also teaches a deeper understanding of the First Amendment and improves teen literacy.

This is important for all mass media professionals, as ASNE is a part of the many organizations out there doing their part to promote diversity, journalistic excellence, and better news coverage.