Mainstream American journalism rests on a pluralist model of democracy that con-serves the status quo, essentializes culture, and trivializes diversity. A very differentunderstanding of diversity emerges from a multiculturalist perspective that questionsexisting arrangements, posits a relational view of culture, and defines diversity in termsof patterns of discrimination and inequality. A case study of coverage of a local issue inthe mainstream and minority press underpins a discussion of the importance of diversi-fying journalism by restructuring the American press. Journalism diversity matters mostnot only as it heightens sensitivity to cultural differences but as it strengthens the roleof minority media in the struggle to achieve the social justice and political parity thata culturally diverse society demands.