Fault Lines
Fault Lines® Culture Shift Program
Program Overview
The Maynard Institute’s Fault Lines® Culture Shift Program gives media professionals the tools to recognize and address biases that shape news coverage.
Rooted in the Fault Lines® framework, our program helps organizations move far beyond performative DEI efforts.
We use practices built on nearly 50 years of training in media spaces that are proven to create inclusive workplaces that connect with diverse communities.
What Are Fault Lines®?
Fault Lines® are the social, cultural and identity-based factors that shape each of our individual perspectives. They influence how news is reported and consumed.
The Fault Lines® framework is a powerful tool for understanding the diverse experiences that shape our audiences, colleagues and communities. It helps news organizations produce resonant coverage, informs product development that reflects a broader range of needs and cultivates a work culture grounded in belonging and mutual respect. The result is deeper audience engagement, greater employee innovation, and reduced attrition—hallmarks of a healthy, future-focused newsroom. The Maynard Institute’s Fault Lines® framework covers:
- Race/Ethnicity/Tribe
- Gender
- Sexual Orientation
- Class
- Geography
- Generation
We also explore categorizations and self-categorizations, which shape who we are and how we experience life. These include:
- Religion
- Ability
- Political affiliation and ideology
- Military service/veteran status
- College students and academic affiliations
- Religious groups and faith-based communities
- Civic organizations and professional identities
- Citizenship and immigration status
- More effective strategies for community engagement
News organizations can build cultures of belonging: workplace environments where all employees feel heard in contributing to journalism that more accurately reflects society. Our Fault Lines® training helps organizations learn how to:
- Create newsroom cultures that embrace diverse perspectives
- Strengthen teams and reduce conflict
- Improve retention with more inclusive leadership pathways
- Develop thoughtful policies that support equity and belonging
Training Focus Areas
The Fault Lines® Culture Shift Program is offered in flexible, customizable phases. News organizations can engage at different levels based on their needs.
1. Coverage & Editorial Impact
- Examining how Fault Lines® influence reporting, sourcing and framing of stories
- Improving community trust and engagement
- Identifying biases in newsroom decision-making
2. Management & Leadership
- Strengthening inclusive leadership and newsroom culture
- Creating fair hiring strategies
- Reducing workplace conflict and attrition
3. Bias Awareness & Mitigation
- Understanding how personal experiences shape professional judgments
- Recognizing implicit and structural biases in newsroom dynamics
- Developing strategies for reducing bias in coverage and culture
4. Individual Coaching & Implementation
- Personalized support for newsroom professionals and journalists
- Coaching on how to apply Fault Lines® principles in daily work
- Guidance on embedding DEIB in long-term strategic goals
Flexible Engagement Options
The Maynard Institute offers scalable solutions for a wide array of needs.
We offer flexible delivery options—including in-person, virtual and hybrid formats. Following our intake process, we collaborate with you to design a program tailored to your needs and budget.
Expected Outcomes
By engaging in Fault Lines® training, news organizations can expect:
- More fair and representative journalism
- Stronger internal culture rooted in belonging
- Better relationships with diverse audiences
- Leadership that is more equipped to grow inclusive workplaces
The Maynard Institute helps journalism organizations make lasting change.
Let’s build the future of trusted journalism together.
Program Details
How to Get Started
To ensure the best fit, please complete an intake form. This helps us understand your organization’s:
- Newsroom transformation goals
- Budget and available resources
- Desired timeline for implementation
Once we review your intake form, our team will recommend the best training package—whether it’s a one-time workshop, multi-session program, or customized coaching engagement.
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Our training programs are designed to be flexible and responsive to your organization’s needs.
Training formats:
- Workshops (one-time or ongoing)
- Multi-session leadership training (over several months)
- Customized coaching engagements
Each program follows a phased approach for long-term impact, including:
- Intake conversations
- Training delivery
- Follow-up support
Who should participate in Fault Lines® training?
Journalists, newsroom leaders, editors, and media professionals seeking to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work and workplace.
How is Fault Lines® training different from other DEIB programs?
This framework focuses on identity-based biases that shape newsroom culture and coverage, offering a structured approach to reduce bias and help everyone feel a sense of belonging.
What are the key components of the training?
We focus on coverage, leadership, bias awareness, and coaching through interactive sessions designed to create lasting change.
Can the training be customized for our organization?
Yes! We offer tailored programs based on intake assessments to meet the unique needs of each newsroom.
How do we measure success?
Our training includes benchmarking and follow-up support to track internal cultural shifts, improvements in leadership practices, and more inclusive reporting.
Your support matters
Donating to MIJE helps newsrooms and professionals improve their reporting, workplaces and the communities they serve.