Journalism education and multiculturalism: Enhancing the curriculum

Scholarly and professional debates on issues regarding multiculturalism vis-à-vis journalism can be seen as a particular feature of the 1990s in many (Western) democracies. Several journalism programs have introduced the topic in their curriculum. Many have not. In this paper the concept of multiculturalism is explored in terms of how it is articulated to journalism and education in particular. Three dimensions are identified and investigated: the professional knowledge of journalists regarding cultural and ethnic diversity, their respresentations of diversity and the responsibilities of journalists covering diversity. Based on an inventory of journalism curricula (available online) in the United States, Australia and The Netherlands, several suggestions and recommendations are made to enhance journalism education program with multiculturalism.