A post-DEI public media
With regulatory changes and shifting strategies, we are at a critical moment
Since President Trump took office, the federal landscape for DEI initiatives has virtually crumbled. In fact, the New York Times says that today is the day for agencies to submit plans to end DEI-related staffing.
In addition, as Radio World notes, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has removed inclusion from the Commission’s priorities. As such, Carr eliminated the Communications Equity and Diversity Council; the 2022 Equity Action Plan, focused on infrastructure and internet affordability; the Task Force to Prevent Digital Discrimination; and revoked directives to promote DEI by advisory committees.
Yesterday, the Times reported Carr was launching an investigation of NPR and PBS affiliates. One might expect other noncommercial broadcasters aren’t far behind.
Similarly, White House moves have been wide ranging and swift. The Office of Personnel Management’s memo directs a review of job descriptions for language that could obscure connections and for employees to report programs that could be disguised by using “coded or imprecise” language. White House shutdowns of DEI posit the belief that such initiatives are discriminatory.
The ripple effects of these changes aren’t confined to media. Higher education—often critical partners in producing and distributing content, as well as as noncommercial educational licensees—are reevaluating their own work. State anti-DEI legislation has also become a factor to monitor. as I wrote about in OIGO in April. Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith America, told the Chronicle of Higher Education that many institutions are embracing “pre-compliance,” tweaking their initiatives before they’re even required by law.
In this environment, public media is sure to engage in deep discussions in the coming months about our mission and values. While few items are openly being conveyed, signs of change are out there. One example is the January repositioning of Public Media for All from its 11-point action plan—which included steps like apologizing for past institutional harms—to a new framework. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting board meets next week.
I typically write about hopeful avenues to consider, but no one really knows what’s coming next. It seems that the public media sector is looking at the evolving policy environment and considering how to respond effectively.
Some debates have kindled a dialogue on how DEI trainings could be better structured. Lily Zheng, writing in the Harvard Business Review, argues that these efforts often fail to deliver, prompting backlash and increasing burnout rather than improving outcomes. This highlights ongoing questions about whether such work is leading to the changes originally intended.
At the same time, organizations are grappling with how to stay community-driven while aligning with shifting regulations. This landscape brings both challenges and the possibility for new interpretations of public service.
Many are watching how mission, vision and values may be re-articulated in this new context. Public media’s role—to reflect, include and serve—remains widely discussed, with questions arising about how content and community relationships might evolve under shifting regulatory frameworks. I expect public media leaders are thinking that, even within these constraints, there may be opportunities to remain responsive to the audiences they serve.
Despite the uncertainties, there is a sense that this moment demands careful examination of what it means to be “public” in public media. As the sector navigates a rapidly changing environment, both obstacles and potential for meaningful progress are becoming focal points. 🟢
Cafecito: stories to discuss ☕
Coverage tips. America Amplified recently hosted a brown bag discussion with NPR national correspondent Sergio Martínez-Beltrán and interviewed immigration lawyer Ezequiel Hernández. They offered strategies for responsible coverage of immigrant communities under the new administration. ✏️
Hope in Idaho. Nieman Reports covers Voces Internship of Idaho, which emerged from frustration with newsrooms claiming they wanted more diverse talent, but citing obstacles to hiring Latino journalists. 💭
Latino media restructure. The Latino Media Network, which launched in 2022 amid much fanfare, has appointed three regional leaders to oversee stations in its network. Radio Insight has details. 🧩
Radio and Latinx listeners. A December Nielsen report notes the importance of radio for reaching younger Hispanic audiences. Inside Radio provides some key points. 🥑
El Teco search. I generally don’t place job listings, but need to amplify my neighborhood’s bilingual newspaper! Accion Latina, which publishes El Tecolote, is seeking a new executive director. Details are here. 💙
El radar: try this 📡
Offer insights on Latine kids with disabilities. Raising a child with disabilities can be especially challenging for Spanish-speaking parents. KSJD reports on Pueblo Azul Colorado, a Spanish-language support group where families share resources, navigate healthcare, and build community. ✍️
Look into the Mediterranean diet. The American Heart Association just published new research that a diet rich in beans, vegetables and fruit has improved results for Hispanic health. Potential sources in your area? 🥦
Get ideas about Substack-based Spanish outreach. Nieman Lab has a fascinating conversation with leaders at Watif, a Spanish-language vertical of Substack newsletters and video podcasts aimed at Gen-Z audiences. Plenty of cool approaches here. 😻
Keep talking to communities about immigration changes. KGOU, WUNC, St. Louis Public Radio, WOSU, WBEZ and KQED are just a few of the organizations following this important and developing story. 👀
And continue to probe impact. Here and Now has a piece that covers an element to the immigration story that more organizations are starting to follow: what happens to local economies when rumors of ICE run rampant? 🫣
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