Texas A & M Univ., Kingsville Content Audit of Parity Project @ Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Texas A & M University, Kingsville Communication and Theatre Arts Dept. Chair Manuel Flores and a group of his graduate students have created a content audit to examine the impact of NAHJ’s Parity Project at the nearby Corpus Christi Caller-Times. This newspaper is a partner in NAHJ’s Parity Project, which was launched there in Sept. 2004.

The content audit examines the Caller-Times’ coverage of Hispanics from 2003 to 2007. Among its findings:

• “The number of stories on Hispanic perpetrating crimes or being victims of crime fell from 203 to 130 on A1 between 2003 and 2007.”
• “The coverage of Hispanics in education increased from 51 to 194 stories, when comparing 2003 and 2007.”
• “The percentage of stories (about) Hispanics on page A1 of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times improved from a low of 21.3 percent prior to the inception of the NAHJ Parity Project to more than 40 percent in 2006 and 2007.”
• The research team recommended, given massive layoffs throughout the news industry, that the Parity Project emphasize “cultural understanding and how (it) can succeed by reporting on important issues revolving around community.”

The Texas A & M University, Kingsville graduate students who took part in completing this content audit include: Adriana Garza, Roberto Peña, María Gutiérrez and Edwin Vásquez. Undergraduate students who also took part in preparing the content audit include: Michelle Leal, Amanda Rodríguez, Carlos Saldaña, Jackie Sánchez and Kristie Vela.

Texas A & M Univ., Kingsville Content Audit of Parity Project @ Corpus Christi Caller-Times