Teaching Inclusive Reporting: A Comprehensive Guide
Why It Matters
Inclusive reporting supports the pillars of journalism.
Fairness and Balance: Fairness and balance goes beyond our reporting but should be considered across the entirety of our industry. The versatility in the issues and communities we cover deserves the same chance for fairness and balance as a single story to provide and a balanced and accurate portrayal of society. Inclusive reporting ensures that a wide range of perspectives and voices are included in the media. This means representing different races, genders, ages, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds and more. This diversity is important for a balanced and accurate portrayal of society.
Avoiding Stereotypes and Bias: Without proper training in inclusive reporting, journalists may unintentionally perpetuate stereotypes and biases. This can lead to misrepresentations and reinforce harmful narratives about certain groups and communities.
Credibility and Trust: As journalists, we should engage with all communities and become a safe space for those facing inequities. Inclusive reporting helps build trust with a diverse audience. When people see themselves and their communities accurately represented, they are more likely to trust the media as a reliable source of information. We will never build rapport with those who belong in undercover or mischaracterized communities or if our work perpetuates harmful stereotypes — intentionally or unintentionally — of their communities.
For the most part, inclusive reporting consists of changes so small that almost no one will notice when they are implemented. That said, they will notice when they’re not incorporated if the work contains bias or stereotypes toward their communities.
The Mischaracterization of Black and Latino Communities in Media
Media has historically mischaracterized Black and Latino communities through underrepresentation, inaccuracies, stereotypes and biased narratives. This has had far-reaching impacts on how these communities are perceived and treated in society and has influenced public policy.
Stereotypes and Biased Narratives: Media has a long history of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Black and Latino communities. These portrayals not only misrepresent the vast majority of individuals in these communities but also contribute to racial profiling and discrimination. According to Color of Change, news and opinion media overrepresent:
Poverty in Black communities while underrepresenting poverty in White communities. While Black families represent 59% of the poor in news and opinion media, they make up just 27% of the poor; at the same time, while White families only represent 17% of the poor in news and opinion media but make up 66% of the poor.
The proportion of Black individuals receiving welfare. That is, Black families represent 60% of welfare recipients in news and opinion media but make up just 42% of welfare recipients.
Crime in Black communities. Approximately 37% of those represented as criminals in news and opinion media are Black individuals, though Black individuals account for only 26% of those arrested for criminal activity, while at the same time, White individuals represent 28% of criminals in news media, though they constitute 77% of those arrested for criminal activity.
The absence of Black fathers.
News media is also more likely to publish images of Black individuals when referring to topics of crime and poverty and is more likely to publish Mexican individuals in the topic of immigration.
Underrepresentation: Even when Black and Latino communities are depicted in media, they are often underrepresented or portrayed in limited, one-dimensional roles. This lack of diverse representation reinforces the idea that these communities are homogenous and defined solely by a narrow set of characteristics. This can also lead to a lack of context and understanding, perpetuating a cycle of misinformation and ignorance.
Dismantling Stereotypes through Responsible Reporting
Responsible reporting plays a pivotal role in challenging and deconstructing harmful stereotypes that persist within our societies. Through research, storytelling, and the amplification of authentic voices, journalists can contribute significantly to dismantling stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Education and Awareness: Journalists should educate themselves about the history and impact of stereotypes on marginalized communities.
Research and Fact-Checking: Analyze for tone to ensure accuracy and avoid perpetuating misinformation or stereotypes.
Avoid Sensationalism: Refrain from sensationalizing stories, particularly those involving race, ethnicity, sexuality or cultural differences.
Representative Storytelling: Seek out and feature diverse voices and perspectives in stories, ensuring that they are portrayed authentically and not reduced to stereotypes. It’s also essential to remember that “positive” stereotypes are still stereotypes.
Avoid Racial Profiling: Refrain from portraying individuals from specific racial or ethnic backgrounds solely through a criminal lens.