DEI Update from SCPR

We reached out to SCPR for an update on how their DEI work has been progressing since joining Public Media for All. They offered the following.

What’s one DEI success you’ve had at your organization recently?

Based on a report and set of recommendations from an internal task force, the SCPR executive team has committed to a set of roughly 45 actions to support diversity, equity, and inclusion at the organization. (We are currently in the process of creating a public-facing version of the implementation plan.) We’ve had early success inviting more pan-org participation in the recruitment process, including a talks and career fair Slack channel and $75 stipends for employees to join associations like NAHJ, NABJ, AAJA, etc. 

What’s one lesson you’ve learned about DEI work at your organization?

Onboarding plays a critical role in supporting a culture of belonging, and that’s a process that should start during the recruitment phase—not the first day at work—and continue throughout the course an employee’s time at the organization. How do we set somebody up to understand the structure of an organization, its revenue model, its policies, and the opportunities for professional growth, as well as employee resources. 

What resources and support do you need to improve DEI at your organization?

There are so many! We have committed to annual content audits, but there are few organizations that provide this service and those who do rightfully charge a good amount. Additionally, there are larger editorial conversations we’d welcome having with other public media newsrooms who have also acknowledged and taken a stand against systemic racism and understand this has become an increasingly partisan issue.

PMFA is dedicated to helping organizations that sign up to join us, including SCPR, reach impactful DEI goals. We provide community support, educational resources, and are evolving our services to meet industry needs.