Layoffs in US Newsrooms Disproportionately Affect Journalists of Color Amid Industry Restructuring and Anti-DEI Policies
In recent months, major restructuring and layoffs in US newsrooms have disproportionately impacted journalists of color, raising concerns about diversity and representation in the media industry.
On October 29, CBS Evening News Plus held a meeting with executives revealing plans tied to the Paramount-Skydance merger and over 2,000 planned cuts. During this restructuring, four people of color were laid off from a nine-person team, while five white colleagues were reassigned, highlighting disparities in treatment.
These layoffs are part of a broader push against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives linked to policies from the Trump administration. This includes January executive orders aiming to end DEI programs, Federal Communications Commission investigations into NBCUniversal and Disney's diversity efforts, and Disney's halting of its "Reimagine Tomorrow" project. Additionally, July filings indicated plans to remove DEI targets from Skydance.
In early November, Condé Nast restructured Teen Vogue, folding it under Vogue, and several women of color were laid off during this process. The company described the move as a business-driven decision to grow reach and resources, though concerns about representation remain.
Mid-October saw the complete layoffs of NBC BLK, NBC Asian America, NBC Latino, and NBC OUT teams as NBCUniversal reorganized into Versant Media Group. This followed earlier cuts affecting about 150 NBC News employees. While equity-focused content sections will continue, they will no longer have dedicated staff.
Diversity in US newsrooms continues to fall below population benchmarks. According to a 2022 Pew survey, 76% of journalists are white compared to about 58% of the general population, with 8% Latino, 6% Black, and 3% Asian journalists represented. The American Society of News Editors' goal to reflect the US population by 2000 was postponed to 2025 and remains unmet.
Amid these developments, individuals such as Mary (a pseudonym) and Trey Sherman are considering legal action, arguing that layoffs disproportionately affect people of color.
In response, a Black Media Caucus was formed by Aniyah Freeman after the mass layoffs. Approximately 200 members joined a LinkedIn group, with a core group of 15 meeting to plan a Black-owned media venture focusing on politics, fashion, and culture.
