One good thing the reading you did mentioned is that there is diversity among people who struggle with poverty — and not just racial diversity, but geographic diversity.
What is Geographic Diversity?
- Coverage that accurately represents the diversity of communities that people live in.
- This can be as specific as different types of neighborhoods, or as broad as different states or countries.
- The goal is that a news outlet should make it’s coverage represent the geographic diversity of the area it covers.
In terms of social class, why might it be important for a reporter look at geographic diversity?
- The highest number of poor people live in the suburbs, according to a 2013 report by the Brookings Institution
- It found that suburban poverty across the country grew 53 percent between 2000 and 2010, more than twice the rate of urban poverty.
- This is the first time more poor people live in the suburbs than in cities.
Why?
- People are getting pushed out of expensive cities.
That doesn’t mean the urban poverty rate is shrinking. It’s growing, too. So is the rural poverty rate.
What about geographic diversity and the wealthiest Americans? Where do they live?
- The top 25 richest census tracts are in small, suburban areas that are so exclusive many people aren’t familiar with them.
- Several here in this area: Los Altos, the Los Altos hills, Atherton
If you didn’t already know that more poor people live in the suburbs than cities – then the media probably isn’t doing a very good job with geographic diversity – or covering different geographic areas.
- Part of the issue is it’s hard to get out to rural areas often.
- Social media is helping to change that.
JOUR 610: Cultural Diversity and U.S. News Media 