Green Bay Press Gazette’s 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Newsroom Hits New Milestones, Signaling a Transformative Year

In a testament to evolving priorities in newsroom composition, the 2020 Diversity Inclusion Newsroom Results published by the Green Bay Press Gazette underscore a measurable shift toward greater racial, gender, and cultural representation in its editorial ranks. Far more than a number crunch, the data reveals a calculated effort to align journalistic storytelling with the true demographics of its community—marking the first time the outlet formally published transparent metrics on diversity across its newsroom staff. With intentional hiring, retention strategies, and inclusive editorial policies, the Gazette has set a benchmark for regional journalism striving to reflect the electorate it serves.

The published metrics highlight tangible progress across key demographic categories. Over the reporting period, the newsroom’s racial and ethnic composition expanded significantly, though precise percentages were not disclosed. Internal benchmarks pointed to a conscious push to increase the visibility of voices historically underrepresented in mainstream reporting.

Women, for instance, now accounted for an estimated 42% of full-time newsroom roles—up from 34% in prior years. This growth extended beyond headline writers and editors to reporters, audio producers, and digital content creators, reflecting a holistic integration of diversity across all news divisions.

Racial and Ethnic Representation: A Step Forward

Data from the 2020 results revealed that 18% of full-time staff identified as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color (BIPOC)—a notable increase from previous cycles.

This growth was not accidental; it reflected targeted recruitment campaigns, partnerships with HBCUs and local minority-serving institutions, and mentorship programs pairing emerging journalists of color with experienced editorial staff.

Gender Balance: Strengthening Voices at Every Level

At 42%, women’s representation in the newsroom marked one of the most significant gains, with gender parity actively prioritized in staffing committees and promotion pipelines. Beyond hiring numbers, qualitative indicators—such as increased bylines from female reporters on community impact stories—suggest deeper cultural change.

“We’re not only measuring heads but hearts and lived experiences,” said interim editor Maria Chen, who helped oversee the diversity initiative. “Our goal is to ensure every story tells a truth shaped by multiple perspectives, not just one.”

Inclusion Beyond Race and Gender: Geographic, Ability, and Neurodiversity Focus

The 2020 results also emphasized outreach beyond traditional diversity metrics. Geographic diversity saw a spike in hires from Wisconsin counties outside the Green Bay metro area, enhancing regional storytelling depth.

Additionally, the Gazette reported intentional inclusion of journalists with disabilities and neurodiverse individuals—an underrepresented segment in media—whose unique cognitive and sensory strengths enriched investigative and human-interest reporting.

Editorial Impact: Stories That Resonate

Internal reviews linked the revised newsroom makeup directly to more nuanced coverage of community issues. Reports on education equity, labor rights, and public health reflected broader lived experiences, particularly in stories highlighting BIPOC neighborhoods and immigrant families.

A standout example was a series on local food insecurity, led by a multi-cultural reporting team that uncovered disparities missed by homogenous staff. “Diversity isn’t just about who’s behind the desk—it’s about whose voices shape what gets covered,” noted Chen. “Our reporting today is richer, sharper, and more accountable because of this change.”

Challenges Remain, but Progress Is Tangible

While the 2020 results mark a clear advance, challenges persist.

Retention of women and BIPOC staff in mid-level roles remains a focus area, with the Gazette investing in leadership pipelines and anti-bias training. External experts, including media diversity analyst Jamal Reed, acknowledged the progress: “Green Bay Press Gazette is rare among regional outlets for publishing data and embedding inclusion into structural practices. This isn’t just optics—it’s institutional change.”

The Green Bay Press Gazette’s 2020 Diversity Inclusion Newsroom Results reveal a deliberate, data-driven transformation.

From hiring pipelines to editorial policies, the outlet has made significant strides in amplifying underrepresented voices, enhancing storytelling depth and public trust. While full equity remains an ongoing journey, the measurable progress stands as both a model and a mandate for regional journalism nationwide.