Much has been said and written about diversity and inclusion in the media. A lot has changed in that regard in the past five years. We really see a different picture in the media, a more colorful representation of people in commercials, at photo shoots and on the covers of magazines.
In conversation with writer and activist Janice Deul, this podcast discusses the topic of diversity and inclusion in the media. About the changing culture at many editorial offices and about the road that has been traveled to get there. Janice discusses abuses, such as the incident at the magazine Jacky about the racist naming of singers Rihanna, until the call from LINDA. for black women to take a picture with bare buttocks.
In conversation with Carolien Vader, Janice Deul discusses everything that needs to be done to give diversity and inclusion a place in the media. Not just a dark model on the cover, and you’re done. But also really better representation behind the scenes, in the editorial offices.
In the Netherlands you don’t see diversity in editorial offices changing everywhere. And that’s a shame. Because editorial boards where employees of different ethnicities work also (or naturally) create more inclusive content. A good example of this is the recently launched Vogue.
A poignant example is the scandal at Bon Appetit, the culinary magazine and content platform of Condé Nast in America. In 2020 a podcast series was launched by Reply All about the state of affairs at the editorial office. In it, various employees talked about the toxic work culture where employees of color were systematically saddled with the shitty jobs. Good reports always went to the people with whom the editor-in-chief was best friends. And coincidentally – or not – those were always the people who most resembled him.
Protests have erupted within the Bon Appetit editorial team – led by collaborators of color – which eventually led to the resignation of the editor-in-chief and a new direction for the magazine. Following this action, employees of many different American media brands have risen up against discrimination. Listen to the podcast here: gimletmedia.com/TheTestKitchen
About Janice Deul
Janice Deul is a media maker, writer, speaker and activist. She has been advocating for more diversity in fashion, media and the creative and cultural sector for years. She organizes workshops, events, gives guest lectures and writes opinion pieces about diversity and inclusion. She is director of Diversity Rules and a member of the Design Committee of the Council for Culture. She is currently working on ‘The Handbook on Fashion and Inclusion’ with media scientist Charlotte Dwyer.
Tips for editors
Do you want to work on better diversity and inclusion in front of and behind the scenes of your media brand? Then listen to this conversation with Janice Deul. Also read this article about the way in which language moves with cultural changes and thus also makes different demands on journalism. Earlier, Bladedokter published a podcast in conversation with Madeleijne van den Nieuwenhuizen of the popular Instagram account @zeikschrift about diversity in the media. Listen to this broadcast here.