by Terry Marsh

Created on: May 07, 2009

Identifying race and ethnicity in news stories is a sensitive topic for media organizations. Increased reporting of international news, and events where the individual identification of suspects is essential to accurate coverage, often makes it necessary for race and ethnicity to become a part of the story. News organizations have a responsibility to report fair and accurate information without the liability of racial profiling or ethnic stereotyping.

However, there are times when rules governing the tasteful use of racial or ethnic descriptions become blurred. At that point, journalists must use discretion in determining how to balance professional integrity and moral sensitivity in addressing such issues, and are challenged to report accurate facts and details without alienating various segments of the public.

Professional journalists vs. alternative news sources

Journalists working for professional news organizations have an edge. They refer to style guides and editors when determining how and when to report sensitive information to diverse demographics. News organizations establish protocols for handling such issues, which often influences writing style and editorial direction. Professional journalists consider these essential tools in adequately reporting descriptive information about people or groups in the news.

But a growing number of consumers now choose to get their news from alternative news sources. Many of these sources were considered unconventional only a few years ago, but now legitimately compete with, or compliment news from conventional news conglomerates. Internet blogs, freelance writers, and citizen journalists are now influential sources of news and information, though not bound to the same content restrictions governing journalists at conventional news services.

Reporting race and ethnicity

Regardless of the format, racial or ethnic descriptions of groups or individuals in news stories should be done only when absolutely essential to the story. When the choice is made to include such information, it should be done tastefully and tactfully, so as not to insult or offend any group as a whole. The objective is to report accurate information in a manner which covers details of the story without alienating the public.

American Journalists follow rules outlined in the "Associated Press Stylebook" or "The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage". International journalists subscribe to the guidelines established

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