Strive for diversity

Reflection:

Recognizing the significance of diversity in media is essential; to understanding its role in fostering inclusivity and representation.

Embracing diverse perspectives enriches storytelling, amplifies marginalized voices, and fosters community understanding. By advocating for diversity in media, we contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society where every voice is heard and valued.

Diversity within Frisco:

Growing up in Frisco, situated on the border of Denton and Collin County, has given me a unique perspective on diversity. The community boasts a rich tapestry of ethnicities and financial backgrounds, making it one of the most diverse areas in Texas. From multi-million dollar homes in gated communities like Starwood to mobile home parks adjacent to middle schools like Hunt Middle School, the diversity within Frisco is palpable. Data from DataUSA supports this diversity, indicating a significant representation of various ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic residents. The exact numbers being: White (Non-Hispanic) (50.8%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (24.1%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (8.26%), White (Hispanic) (6.55%), and Two+ (Hispanic) (3.78%). My involvement with organizations like YMSL (Young Men's Service League), a non-profit volunteer organization for sons & moms, of which I am the President and have been a part since my Freshman year, has further deepened my appreciation for diversity, allowing me to serve communities throughout North Texas.

Implementing Diversity in Interviews:

In our BPA Broadcast production endeavors, diversity was a key consideration to ensure our coverage reflected the dynamic makeup of our community. We implemented a strategy to showcase Frisco's growth in real-time by setting up a broadcast stand at The Star, a prominent local venue, during events like the Christmas Extravaganza powered by Reliant. By interviewing a diverse range of people, including visitors from faraway towns like Leander and workers involved in the parking logistics, we aimed to capture the essence of Frisco's diverse community and its vibrant energy. These interviews can be seen pictured below:

Varied Coverage Across High Schools:

For the 2023 high school football season, FSN (Frisco Sports Network) embarked on an initiative to ensure diversity in school coverage. Instead of focusing solely on one high school, we diversified our coverage by featuring stories and highlights from multiple FISD schools, including Wakeland, Panther Creek, Emerson, Reedy, and Frisco High School. These stories can be seen in my “Broadcast Journalism” section. Our Game of the Week (GOTW) schedule was carefully curated to allow each team to shine under the spotlight, promoting inclusivity and representation across the district, especially to the schools that didn't have a story produced for them. This deliberate approach ensured no single team dominated the coverage, allowing for a fair and diverse representation of FISD (Frisco Independent School District) schools.

Jackson’s Takeaways from Striving for Diversity:

  • Embrace diversity to enrich storytelling and amplify marginalized voices
  • Campaign for inclusivity in media to foster understanding and representation within communities
  • Promote diverse perspectives to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society