Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Policy
At TiffinOhio.net, we believe journalism should reflect and serve everyone in our community. Too often, the news industry has excluded or misrepresented people from marginalized backgrounds — and local media are not exempt from that history. We are committed to doing better.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) are not side principles; they are central to credible, community-based reporting. Our newsroom aims to represent the full range of experiences across Northwest Ohio, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, or socioeconomic status. We recognize that systemic inequities shape the lives of our readers, and our reporting will not ignore those realities.
Our Commitment
We incorporate these values into how we choose stories, select sources, and use language. They also guide how we recruit contributors, collaborate with partners, and build a culture of respect and belonging.
Story Selection
We strive to cover stories that matter to all members of our community, not just those with the loudest voices or most resources. This means actively seeking out stories from underrepresented communities and examining how policy decisions and community changes affect different groups.
Source Selection
We work to include diverse voices in our reporting, seeking out sources from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We recognize that expertise comes in many forms and that lived experience is valuable knowledge.
Language and Framing
We are mindful of the language we use and how we frame stories, avoiding harmful stereotypes and ensuring our coverage treats all community members with dignity and respect.
Community Engagement
We actively engage with all segments of our community, building relationships and trust with groups that have historically been underserved by local media.
Ongoing Work
We know this work is ongoing. If you see areas where we can improve, or if you believe our reporting falls short of these commitments, we invite you to tell us at info@tiffinohio.net. Accountability to the people we serve is part of our mission.
We are committed to continuous learning and improvement in our DEIJ practices, and we welcome constructive feedback from our community as we work to better serve everyone in Northwest Ohio.