Golden State Today

Four members of the news media gathered at Chancellor Gary S. May’s winter colloquium to discuss the importance of diverse voices in the media and the challenges they face in the industry.

Chris Thomas, an evening anchor at Sacramento’s ABC10, highlighted the progress made in the industry by sharing his personal journey, saying, “That shows that we have come a long way.” He emphasized the significance of utilizing opportunities to have a seat at the table.

During the panel discussion, Thomas recalled instances where he advocated for showing important footage, stating, “If I ever get beat down like that, show the footage.” He stressed the importance of diversity in newsrooms to bring a variety of perspectives to decision-making processes.

Brandi Cummings, an anchor with KCRA 3 News, spoke about the scrutiny faced by Black and brown journalists, mentioning, “Black journalists are dealing with ... ideas of whether or not you're able to bring your authentic voice to the conversation.” Lonnie Wong, a retired journalist with Fox40 News, emphasized the need for cultural competence in newsrooms and shared past experiences of efforts to diversify news organizations.

Vicki Gonzalez, the host of Capital Public Radio’s Insight, reflected on her immigrant family background, stating, “I think that’s why I became a journalist.” The panelists also discussed the challenges confronting the journalism industry, including layoffs and the impact of social media and artificial intelligence.

Despite the difficulties, the panelists encouraged UC Davis students considering careers in journalism to persevere. Gonzalez expressed, “Despite all the challenges, it’s been fulfilling,” while Cummings advised, “Don't necessarily feel like you have to follow this traditional path.”

Attendees at the colloquium resonated with the panelists' insights, with one participant expressing, “It was very informative.” The event provided an opportunity for the community to engage with important conversations surrounding media diversity.

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