This is what affirmative action is. They are not outright saying NO to white males, they are specifically looking for people who are not white males though, considering they already hired mostly white males. Read the comment he replied to. They did not say that they will not hire white males, because that would be ridiculous, considering that they are already mostly white males.
Did you read the question? Because in context, it really DOESN'T look like they're saying that. I can't believe people are accusing an organization that is MOSTLY white males of discriminating against white males!
Q: Are there particulars attributes or beats you’re looking to fill
And I want to add also into the mix another aspect I feel is relevant: we are talking about journalism. In the field of journalism (and writing in general), there is incentive to represent bold and challenging ideas. It is clear that they have the white male perspective covered. From that viewpoint, it seems fair that they would seek to cover their bases with journalists who speak from other cultural backgrounds.
If that is part of his reasoning, I rather agree with the sentiment.
Affirmative action as it is implemented in the US simply states that if two candidates on paper have the same qualifications then choose the minority candidate.
The reasoning is that it counters a pre-existing bias towards non-minorities and/or women.
