Reporting diversity : how journalists can contribute to community cohesion

Abstract

Journalists and media decision-makers in Great Britain, the United States and other countries in the West in recent years, have grappled with the issue of how to improve their coverage of all sorts of minority groups. While much progress has been made, examples of ethnic stereotypes, insulting language, and one-sided reporting can still be found without looking too hard. When journalists pursue their mission with goodwill and an open mind, they can play a major role in transforming relations between various ethnic, religious and other community groups in emerging democratic societies. The manual's prime goal is to enable journalists to improve their reporting on minority groups, inter-ethnic relations and basic human rights. The manual can also be used by editors and owners of media organisations, who bear ultimate responsibility for how such issues are covered.