Connect the Dots 101

“Under Scrutiny About Race, British Media Admit There Might be a Problem”

In the wake of Harry and Meghan’s explosive interview, an influential professional society speaking for the British news media issued a defiant response, rejecting the idea of racism and intolerance in British coverage of the couple.

On Wednesday the group, the Society of Editors, was forced into an embarrassing about-face after objections from more than 160 journalists of color as well as the editors of both The Guardian and The Financial Times.

On Monday, the society stated flatly that “The U.K. media is not bigoted,” and accused Meghan and Harry of an unfounded attack on the profession.

On Wednesday, it issued what it called a clarification, acknowledging that its initial statement “did not reflect what we all know: there is a lot of work to be done in the media to improve diversity and inclusion.”

Hours later, the group’s executive director, Ian Murray, resigned. Taking responsibility for the original statement, he said he was leaving “so that the organization can start to rebuild its reputation.”

www.nytimes.com/2021/03/10/world/europe/harry-meghan-media-race.html