NBC News Cuts Diversity Teams, Sparking Fears for Inclusive Coverage

NBC News’ decision to eliminate its dedicated teams covering Black, Asian American, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities marks a deeply concerning shift at a time when inclusive storytelling is more essential than ever. As part of layoffs affecting “about 150 staffers,” NBC confirmed that the news verticals NBC BLK, NBC Asian America, NBC Latino, and NBC OUT will no longer be supported by their own specialized teams. While NBC says these platforms will “continue to publish stories,” coverage will now be dispersed across the broader newsroom—raising questions about depth, nuance, and accountability.

The layoffs, amounting to “about 7%” of the NBC News workforce, were announced during what NBC executive Catherine Kim called a “difficult day for a lot of us.” Yet for communities historically misrepresented or ignored in mainstream media, this decision signals more than operational restructuring—it risks erasing intentional coverage carved out through years of advocacy. Dedicated reporters in these units provided culturally informed reporting and built trust with audiences who rarely saw themselves reflected accurately.

These changes come amid a broader industry retreat from diversity efforts. As the report notes, media companies like Gannett have recently “removed mentions of diversity” and Disney has rebranded its efforts under a softer banner. Federal scrutiny has also intensified, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr claiming Comcast promotes DEI through “executives specifically dedicated” to such initiatives—illustrating how equity efforts are now politicized rather than embraced as journalistic responsibility. These teams did not simply report on race, ethnicity, or identity; they contextualized national news through lived experience. Without them, there is a real fear that critical narratives will be diluted or deprioritized.

NBC leadership, including Cesar Conde, insists the company is reinvesting, pointing to upcoming platforms and campaigns aimed at “rigorous fact-based reporting” for “all.” But true coverage for all requires voices from all. Diversity in newsrooms isn’t symbolic—it is foundational to accuracy, fairness, and truth.

In a fractured media landscape, the loss of these dedicated teams isn’t only about jobs—it’s about whose stories get told, whose voices matter, and who gets to define the American narrative.

Link: The Wrap