An open letter has been written to UK journalism colleagues urging publications to address matters of racial and class diversity in newsrooms.

The letter, promoted by former news editor of Pink News Tufayel Ahmed, has been backed by industry access organisation PressPad.

The letter asks that UK publications hire more journalists from diverse ethnic and working-class backgrounds to proportionately represent minorities; ensure racial diversity across all beats and ensure racial diversity in freelance work.

It also calls on UK publications to publish data on the diversity make-up of their newsroom and publish data on race pay gaps.

With 13% of the UK population being from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, the letter highlights that the journalism industry is 94% White, according to a survey of 700 news industry workers by City University in 2016.

The calls follow work by Women in Journalism in September of last year which showed a lack of media diversity and a Diversity in the News Media panel looking at practical steps for real change held at the Society of Editors conference in November.

The letter can be viewed here: https://diversifythenewsroom.com/