Supporting diverse leadership in sports journalism
The APSE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2020 to support sports journalism education and diversity, including the APSE Diversity in Leadership Fellowship, an annual program to train and further the careers of women sports journalists, sports journalists of color and LGBTQ+ sports journalists.
Why the APSE Foundation exists
In 2008, a report by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES), stated that newsroom sports departments and sports media websites were failing to create diverse environments emblematic of the sports they covered and the communities they served. This was especially prevalent in upper management where diversity was almost nonexistent.
In the years since, the overall hiring still doesn’t reflect an adequate gender or racial breakdown, but thanks to the APSE Diversity in Leadership Fellowship, the numbers at the top are getting better. But we still have a long way to go. While leadership opportunities for people of color have increased, those same opportunities for women in sports are lacking, and the presence of women of color in power positions is rare.
“We’ve seen some signs of progress, but it remains a major problem for women and especially women of color. We need more women in this industry, we need those voices, we need that perspective. We need them making coverage and hiring decisions.”
— Lisa Wilson, former APSE president
Why support the APSE Foundation
All donations given to the APSE Foundation are tax-deductible and are used in part to underwrite the in-depth course of study that is at the heart of the APSE Diversity in Leadership Fellowship program.
The Diversity in Leadership Fellowship was established in 2011 by the Associated Press Sports Editors (commonly known as APSE), the nation’s premier professional association for sports editors and others in journalism sports management. The program targets mid-career professionals and prepares and supports them for leadership positions and advancement at all career levels of sports journalism while providing lifelong access to the program’s support network.
- 11 years, 54 graduates, many in managerial positions
- Seven graduates ascended to top positions with major outlets in the past two years
- Modest investment creates a life-changing program that’s not just for the elite
- Graduates hold positions and have an impact throughout the journalism and journalism-adjacent industry
Any progress is good progress.
Changes have been made in the 10 years since the APSE Diversity in Leadership Fellowship was founded and awareness was brought to the need for more diversity in the upper management of newsroom sports departments and sports media websites.
103
The combined number of female sports editors and assistant sports editors in newsroom sports departments and sports media websites, an increase of 21 from 2012.
35.5%
The number of people of color and women sports editors in newsroom sports departments and sports media websites was up 15.7% from 2012.
43.4%
The number of people of color and women assistant sports editors in newsroom sports departments and sports media websites was up 16.7% in 2012.
Universal leadership skills for the long run
Graduates of the APSE Diversity in Leadership Fellowship have not only increased diverse representation in journalism leadership, but they’ve also learned skills to help identify and mentor younger journalists to help place them on the same path and further this critically important effort.
Learn more about becoming a Fellow
Contact Us
For Sponsorship Inquiries
Lisa Wilson
APSE Foundation Executive Director
46 Danebrock Drive
Amherst, NY 14226