Richard Kipling, a respected advocate for diversity in journalism, passed away on Monday at the age of 81. His death followed a recent stroke.
Career Highlights of Richard Kipling
Kipling’s career included various editorial roles at the Los Angeles Times, notably as the editor of the Orange County edition. He is best remembered for leading the Minority Editorial Training Program (Metpro), which significantly bolstered opportunities for minority journalists.
Impact of the Metpro Program
Under Kipling’s guidance, Metpro emerged as a pioneering model for diversity initiatives in the journalism industry. The program trained generations of journalists of color for positions at the Los Angeles Times and other publications such as:
- The New York Times
- The New Yorker
- Chicago Tribune
- Baltimore Sun
Graduates of Metpro have gone on to hold prominent positions within the media, showcasing the program’s lasting influence.
Advocacy for Diversity
Kipling advocated for newsroom diversity at a time when such initiatives often faced resistance. He commented on this challenge in a 2009 interview, sharing that initial skepticism surrounded the quality of journalists from diverse backgrounds. Despite this, the perception shifted by the mid-1990s, with colleagues recognizing the value of Metpro graduates.
Erika Hayasaki, a former reporter at the Times, remarked on Kipling’s commitment: “What’s so special about Richard is he brought in an entire generation of journalists of color and focused on training talent from underrepresented communities.”
Later Years and Legacy
In 2009, Kipling transitioned to lead The Center for Health Reporting at USC but maintained a mentorship role for Metpro alumni. Kurt Streeter, a graduate who currently works at The New York Times, referred to Kipling as a second father figure.
Richard Kipling’s dedication to enhancing diversity in journalism has left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring future generations of journalists to embrace their voices and perspectives.
