Reuters Diversity and Inclusion Report 2023

Introduction

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to Reuters’ mission. Our wide-ranging coverage of global events is enhanced by the diversity of our sources and journalists. This diversity improves the quality of our reporting, serving our global audience effectively.

Progress and Challenges

In our 2023 Diversity Report, we note advancements in our newsroom’s inclusivity. Last year saw increased diversity in leadership roles, particularly among racially or ethnically diverse leaders. Women in leadership roles grew by 3% to 39%, yet challenges remain in promoting equity and progression.

Setting and Achieving Goals

Our 2023-2025 goals include increasing ethnic and racial diversity in senior leadership by 20%, doubling Black leaders, ensuring 45% of senior positions are filled by women, and promoting internal talent for roles, aiming for 65% by 2025. Over 12 months, we increased Black leaders by 13% and diversified senior leaders by 11%.

Diversity Data Collection

To better understand our newsroom’s diversity, employees voluntarily share demographic details. Since the 2020 ‘Count Me In’ campaign, participation has risen: 68% of staff shared race or ethnicity data and 47% shared sexual orientation data by the end of 2023.

Examples of Diversity Data Availability

In December 2020, gender data collection was almost complete at 99.9%, but other categories like race or ethnicity were only 47.2%. By December 2023, race/ethnicity data participation increased to 68.1%, showing significant improvements.

Notes and Challenges in Data Collection

Data is aggregated to protect privacy. Senior leadership definition varies by department, with newsroom leadership including managers up to three layers below the Editor-in-Chief. Privacy laws in some countries limit our ability to collect all types of data.

Investing in Talent: Training and Development

Reuters prioritizes learning and development for an equitable workplace, offering varied training sessions and seminars enhancing journalistic skills. Initiatives include Editorial Learning Weeks offering over 2,200 journalists 40 virtual events to boost professional growth.

Advancing AI in Newsroom

Generative AI provides Reuters an opportunity to innovate while adhering to Trust Principles. AI teams refine models and optimize prompts to enhance reporting speed and efficiency, preserving journalistic integrity and fairness.

Race and Justice Reporting Team

The establishment of our Global Race and Justice team aims at inclusive news coverage. Successful stories are already addressing key issues like Black voter roles in US elections and prison overcrowding.

Enhancing Visual Storytelling

Efforts to diversify our photography team have increased women photographers, driven by mindset shifts among managers. Initiatives in Asia and Latin America have improved gender representation significantly.

Promoting Diverse Journalism Paths

Partnerships like the Overseas Press Club Foundation and the Neurodiversity Internship Program foster diverse talent by providing job opportunities and valuable experience in journalism.

Maintaining Mental Health in Challenging Times

Reuters supports journalist well-being through comprehensive mental health resources and programs, including the CiC Trauma Program and Employee Assistance Programs—ensuring reporters maintain resilience in stressful environments.

Future Directions

Upcoming efforts include enhanced AI training, expanded talent outreach, and increased support for mental health, aiming for a more inclusive and equitable newsroom that aligns with our editorial mission.