Journalists of color at the Star Tribune call for newsroom changes

Journalists of color in Minnesota's largest newsroom, the Star Tribune, are calling for change. In an open letter to management, they are demanding their employer address inequities in recruitment and retention of non-white staff, improve community outreach, and broaden coverage of communities of color.

In a message to employees on Thursday, Star Tribune publisher and CEO Michael Klingensmith wrote that “all of our management is supportive of this group and their initiatives.” He added that the company would release a plan of action this month.

Newsroom leaders across the country are facing similar pressure from employees: in recent months, hundreds of journalists have taken to social media to express frustration and outrage over racism in the workplace, and coverage decisions around race. The movement has led to the departure of top editors at outlets including the New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Bon Appetit.

For more, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with photo editor Kyndell Harkness, who has been helping lead the push at the Star Tribune.