Media Diversity Groups Urge NBC to Recommit After Layoffs Hit Identity-Focused Newsrooms

(October 23, 2025) - The board members of the Journalism & Women Symposium, Asian American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists are deeply disappointed by the decision by NBC News to lay off staffers from their sites dedicated to marginalized communities.

While cutting nearly 7 percent of its newsroom, NBC News laid off staffers who were fully dedicated to its verticals covering Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ communities. The company has said the verticals will continue to be updated by staffers across the newsroom, but dissolving these editorial teams represents a step back in NBC’s commitment to making sure their reporting represents the diversity of this country. 

Leaders from JAWS, AAJA, NABJ, NAHJ and NLGJA met with NBC executives on Wednesday to discuss our concerns. They said the decision was related to financial pressures, and reaffirmed their commitment to diversity, and making sure the verticals continue.

As presidents of groups dedicated to ensuring the news industry and its coverage reflect our viewers, we urge NBC News to remain steadfast in their support for championing essential coverage of Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ communities – and to recommit to representative newsrooms that reflect the diversity of every community.

Since 1985, the Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) has been for working journalists, journalism educators and researchers from across the United States. Members meet in person and online to share resources, support, training and information about the issues that affect women in the industry. JAWS advances the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism and advocates for more inclusive coverage of the diverse experiences and cultures that comprise our society.