The M28 Media Center is in the process of establishing the Editors Institute 28, which is a new program designed to train journalists from underrepresented backgrounds seeking to become investigative editors. Its goals are threefold: To help emerging editors better compete for jobs as leaders in their newsrooms; help news outlets find highly skilled investigative editors at a time when such candidates are scarce; and help diversify a traditionally white, male-dominated field.

Journalism has long had an inclusion problem, but that’s particularly evident in investigative journalism, traditionally considered the specialized domain of a newsroom’s most experienced reporters and editors. This insularity makes it hard for aspiring investigative editors to test their own chops and deepen their skills, thereby perpetuating privilege and lowering the quality of our collective work. The importance of having more journalists of color in decision-making positions especially on investigative teams couldn’t have been demonstrated more clearly than during the COVID-19 pandemic, the war between Ukraine and Russia and recent protests for racial justice across the world. By ensuring journalists of color have high-profile editing and management roles, we can create a more equitable and welcoming industry for all. Participants gain confidence, new skills, and deep connections in the industry. Partners will gain access to rigorously trained editors ready for their next challenge. If we’re serious about producing investigative reporting that reflects the priorities and needs of diverse communities, we must ensure that our newsrooms do that too. The program is a step in that direction.