Washington, D.C. – May 23, 2025 – Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ) proudly announces the launch of Bridge the Divide, a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at exploring the challenges military veterans face when transitioning into journalism careers.
Despite their unique skill sets — such as self-discipline, adaptability, and resourcefulness — veterans often encounter roadblocks when seeking newsroom roles and adapting to newsroom culture. This project seeks to illuminate these challenges and propose actionable solutions to create a more inclusive journalism industry. The findings have been published on a website here.
This project, funded by News Corp and developed in collaboration with the University of Alabama, offers a comprehensive resource to understand the gap through shared narratives and actionable insights. In addition, the research team gathered feedback from the American Press Institute, which also helped share the survey with news leaders.
Bridge the Divide project’s rigorous methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches to capture a holistic view of the veteran-civilian divide. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with veterans and journalism hiring managers across diverse demographics, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, and geographic location. These interviews provided nuanced insights into personal experiences and societal perceptions. Additionally, U.S. Census data was analyzed to determine the actual number of veterans working in journalism. This dual approach allowed MVJ to identify key themes, such as the impact of stereotypes and the role of community engagement in fostering understanding.
“Bridge the Divide is about creating a space where veterans and civilians can connect through shared stories and mutual respect,” said Zack Baddorf, Navy vet turned journalist and co-founder of MVJ. “With the support of News Corp, the American Press Institute, and the University of Alabama, we’ve built a platform that not only highlights the challenges but also offers practical solutions for getting more veterans into the journalism industry.”
The research revealed critical insights, including the barriers that veterans face when trying to break into journalism. The view of hiring managers in the industry was also examined to better understand how veterans are viewed from within newsrooms when applying for positions.
Consulting with API brought expertise in journalism best practices, ensuring the project’s resources are tailored for media professionals. The University of Alabama contributed academic rigor, guiding the research design and data analysis to ensure robust and reliable findings. News Corp’s funding enabled MVJ to scale the project, making it accessible to a wide audience through an interactive website and nationwide outreach.
MVJ invites journalists, community leaders, and the public to explore Bridge the Divide at bridgethedivide.mvj.network and join the movement to build stronger, more connected communities. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact MVJ at [email protected].
ABOUT MILITARY VETERANS IN JOURNALISM
Military Veterans in Journalism is a professional association that builds community for vets working in media, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring more vets. We work with news outlets, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and other partners to create opportunities for vets to get a jump start in the media industry. We also serve as a career pipeline to help news outlets diversify their staff.
Launched as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in May 2019, MVJ has more than 700 veteran members across the country who are either working journalists or who are aspiring journalists. Learn more about MVJ at www.mvj.network.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Founded in 1831 as the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama has always focused on being the best. The University of Alabama, the state of Alabama’s oldest public university, is a senior comprehensive doctoral-level institution. The University was established by constitutional provision under statutory mandates and authorizations. Its mission is to advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the state through quality programs of teaching, research and service.
