Diversity and Inclusion at Reuters in 2023

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental pillars of our journalistic mission. As we impartially and independently cover wars, financial upheaval, and political unrest, the remarkable diversity of our sources and our journalists set Reuters apart. Diversity strengthens the fabric of our newsroom. It deepens the quality and depth of our reporting, enabling us to better serve our global audience.

Foreword

This year, our coverage of global conflicts and elections showcases our unique ability to combine local understanding with global insights. Our reporters’ dedication and resilience exemplify the values we hold dear at Reuters. In our Annual Diversity Report for 2023, we document the progress made in fostering a more inclusive newsroom, while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.

Last year, advances were made in diversifying our leadership, with a notable increase in senior leaders from racially or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Progress continued with the rise of women in leadership, climbing by three percentage points to 39%. Yet, more work is needed, particularly in addressing progression barriers and promoting equity at all levels.

Our newsroom must reflect the audiences we serve as Reuters delivers news in an increasingly complex, polarized world. Our commitment to this goal remains unwavering.

Alessandra Galloni, Editor-in-Chief, Reuters

A Reminder of Our Goals

In 2022, we set new goals for 2023-2025 aimed at enhancing diversity within our editorial leadership:
• Increase ethnic and racial diversity within senior leadership by 20% by 2025.
• Double the number of Black leaders by 2025.
• Ensure 45% of senior leadership roles are held by women by 2025.
• Raise internal talent promotions to 65% by 2025.

Over 12 months, Black leaders increased by 13% and representation of diverse senior leaders improved by 11%. The proportion of roles filled by internal talent rose by 3 percentage points, reaching 54%.

Our Data: Getting Better Data

Diversity data is provided by employees voluntarily. In 2020, we launched the Count Me In campaign to encourage staff to supply diversity details. By December 2023, migration to provide race or ethnicity details rose to 68%, up 21 percentage points since December 2020. The availability of data for the Reuters newsroom in various categories is shown below:

Survey
Gender: Dec. 2020 – 99.90%, Dec. 2023 – 99.70%
Gender identity: Dec. 2020 – 15.60%, Dec. 2023 – 46.20%
Sexual orientation: Dec. 2020 – 15.30%, Dec. 2023 – 47.20%
Race or ethnicity: Dec. 2020 – 47.20%, Dec. 2023 – 68.10%
Disability: Dec. 2020 – 1.70%, Dec. 2023 – 23.40%

Notes About Our Data
The aggregated data released on Dec 31, 2023, conceals individual information. We have expanded senior leadership definitions in the newsroom. Data is sometimes unavailable due to privacy limitations in specific countries. Data is provided voluntarily.

Investing in Our Talent: Staff Training and Growth

Learning and development are essential to an equitable workplace. In 2023, our Editorial Learning team offered varied training initiatives to help journalists excel:

Varied Training Opportunities
• Workshops and webinars covered journalistic ethics, source building, beat reporting, company news, and pitching.
• Revitalized bootcamp with sessions on cybersecurity, mental health, career building.
• Newsroom Leadership Seminar for skills in managing a global newsroom.

Introducing Focused Learning Weeks
• March launched Editorial Learning Weeks for professional development.
• 2,200 journalists participated in 40 virtual events on writing, fact-checking, AI journalism.

Building An AI-Infused Newsroom

Generative AI is a transformative opportunity for Reuters deeply rooted in our Trust Principles. Jane Barrett, newly appointed Head of AI Strategy, shares insights on our approach:

Central to the transformation are Reuters Trust Principles, emphasizing expanded and adaptive news services with accuracy. Integrity remains a priority, with collaboration between data scientists and engineers to address biases. AI innovation is embraced, while final review lies with seasoned editors.

Empowering Diversity and Innovation
• Inclusive participation in AI training, prompting workshops, evaluations.
• Elimination of technological barriers inspires innovation.

Advancing Meaningful Journalism
AI-assisted research lets journalists focus on original reporting, backed by Reuters’ 173-year legacy.

Building Inclusive Journalism: Commitment to Race and Justice Reporting

In September 2023, Reuters established the inaugural Global Race and Justice team, featuring correspondents focusing on race and justice stories. Reporting highlighted Black voters’ role in the U.S. election, prison overcrowding before Paris Olympics, and exclusive interviews.

My role as Race and Justice Editor involves leading efforts to tell stories from diversified perspectives. Focus is on integrating source diversity into newsroom goals and tracking stories that include voices from marginalized groups.

Early successes have included coverage on dismantling diversity programs, Tesla lawsuits, global reparations, indigenous rights, and U.S. voter engagement.

Enhancing Visual Storytelling: Progress and Highlights from Our Pictures Team

By Rickey Rogers, Global Editor, Reuters Pictures: Strategy has addressed female gender disparity within our photography team, assisted by tracking monthly assignments, changing hiring manager mindset, and cultural change.

Building a Talent Pipeline in Latin America
• Gender diversity increased from 14% in 2018 to 36% by 2023.
• Social media revealed emerging photographers.
• Personal conversations encouraged involvement.

Being Intentionally Inclusive
• Photography contributions in Asia grew from 4% in 2018 to 36% by 2023.
• Confronted outdated industry perspectives.
• Maintained focus on gender representation, equitable opportunities.

Paving Diverse Paths: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Reporters

Overseas Press Club Foundation
• Annual fellowships support students and provide internships.
• Foundation awards 18 fellowships yearly, enabling students to engage in internships globally.
• Reuters offers a path into the profession, alongside journalistic training and opportunities for growth.

Example: Caroline Stauffer, now Canada Bureau Chief, benefited from an OPC internship.

Building Careers for Neurodiverse Talent at Reuters
• Thomson Reuters Neurodiversity Internship Program supports interns on the autism spectrum.
• Over 60 interns involved, leading to full-time roles.
• Program expands understanding and skills.

Living and Reporting the Story – The Israel/Gaza Conflict

Covering the Israel/Gaza conflict is a unique challenge demanding objective, accurate reporting despite personal impacts of war. James Mackenzie reflects on journalists’ experiences.

Close-knit team faces personal losses while maintaining professional focus. Strength and professionalism are demonstrated during emotionally intense scenarios.

Prioritizing Mental Health: Reuters’ Commitment to Supporting Our Journalists

Mental health is integral to optimal reporting. In 2023, Reuters included mental health components in editorial risk assessments.
• Managers are encouraged to debrief reporters to mitigate psychological trauma risks.
• Events during World Mental Health Awareness focused on self-care and mental wellness.
• Year-round mental health services include trauma counseling and peer networks.

Supporting Good Mental Health – The CiC-Reuters Partnership

CiC provides a Global Trauma Support program for journalists exposed to stress and trauma. Multilingual support exists alongside peer networks providing confidential spaces to discuss experiences.

Leadership collaboration strengthens CiC initiatives, broadening traditional PTSD support for war correspondents.

What’s Next

Continuous improvement shapes future diversity strategies:
• Enhanced training programs, talent outreach, editorial leadership circles.
• More opportunities for cross-team projects.
• Support for staff facing mental health struggles.
• Guidance on trauma reporting best practices.
• New editorial accelerator program.

Reuters is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion by delivering outstanding, unbiased journalism globally. A diverse newsroom builds insight, better serving audiences with high-quality reporting. Ongoing efforts enhance newsroom robustness and strengthen our journalistic mission.