NAB Wants To Help Journalists Cover Race

0

The National Association of Broadcasters and the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation have unveiled an online toolkit called Awareness in Reporting to help journalists and newsrooms cover race and racially sensitive news stories. The toolkit was unveiled at an event Wednesday at the Newseum, which featured panel discussions with journalists and local leaders involved in recent race-related events.

NABEF President and CEO Marcellus Alexander said, “Broadcasters have a unique position as mirrors of society, with a chance to reflect an accurate picture of the communities they serve. Our goal is to help journalists become more aware of racial and cultural issues, enabling them to provide a more comprehensive portrait for audiences through their reporting.”

The toolkit was created in response to increased news coverage of issues affecting communities of color stemming from civil unrest, including demonstrations following police-involved shootings and immigration reform protests, among others. The resource provides suggestions and recommendations for journalists and newsroom executives to improve the breadth, depth, and accuracy of their news coverage of potentially divisive issues. The initiative also explores how positive news stories can impact overall coverage of minority communities and foster a more collaborative relationship between reporters and the public.

NAB CEO Gordon Smith said, “Local broadcasters play a vital role in our democracy as ‘first informers,’ providing timely, accurate, and enlightening information to Americans about the topics affecting their communities. At a time when issues of race relations have sparked new conversations throughout our society, NAB hopes this toolkit helps equip journalists with the expertise to cover news events fairly and accurately from all points of view.”

A full video of the event can be viewed HERE.

Pictured left to right are: Dave Kurpius, Professor and Dean, University of Missouri School of Journalism, Delia Goncalves, Reporter, WUSA-TV, Washington, DC, Robert Garcia, Executive Producer, NPR Newscast Division, Janice Gin, Assistant News Director, KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA, Bruce Johnson, Weeknight Anchor, WUSA-TV, Washignton, DC.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here