Journalism Module 4: Ethnic & Gender Sensitivity
This module covers mistakes, often inadvertent, that journalists make in covering ethnic conflicts and gender issues, with a discussion of the consequences and practical guidelines for correcting them.
Key questions:
How do ethnic stereotypes impact coverage of conflict and judicial proceedings?
How might a reporter’s choice of words and details reflect ethnic bias?
How does gender bias manifest itself?
How can reporters avoid gender bias?
Required Readings (and Watching):
Conflict Sensitive Journalism: State of the Art, International Media Support and Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society, (April 2004), p. 34. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001869/186986e.pdf This selection from the teacher’s handbook is a class exercise on hate-speech.
Brendan I. Koerner, “Burma,” Magnum in Motion. http://inmotion.magnumphotos.com/essay/burma A collection of images that attempts to provide context for ethnic strife. (photo essay)
Aiden White, To Tell You the Truth: The Ethical Journalism Initiative, International Federation of Journalists (2008), Ch. 4 ( “Journalism in the Face of Intolerance and Racism”), pp 94-104 www.ethicaljournalisminitiative.org/pdfs/EJI_book_en.pdf.
Selected Online Resources:
Reporting Diversity Manual, Media Diversity Institute & Samizdat B92, London (2002). www.periodismosocial.net/documentos/Manual%20sobre%20Diversidad.pdf This reading uses case studies and exercises to illustrate best practices for sensitive, accurate reporting on ethnic groups, political groups, dissidents, refugees and displaced persons.
Gender, Conflict and Journalism, UNESCO. Paris. (2005) pp 19-83. http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=21391&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html This reading covers gender bias and insensitivity that in reporting in its many forms, with practical exercises to identify and remedy the problems.