by "The BBC News Style Guide", or "The Times Style and Usage Guide".

Gathering and reporting breaking news is competitive, and is no longer confined within geographical borders in today's open markets. Consequently, fewer differences define these organizational style guides than what may have existed just a few years ago. Most are consistent in addressing race and ethnicity, placing an emphasis on accurate and ethical reporting, while maintaining moral sensitivity to groups or individuals identified.

Identification without alienation

Mark Pearson, author of "The Journalists Guide to Media Law", writes "Do not put unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief, or physical or intellectual disability." Pearson explains that this is one of several ethical guidelines aimed at non-discriminatory coverage.

Pearson also cites the Australian Press Council's Statement of Principles in detailing that journalism organizations should not place any gratuitous emphasis on race or any of the above mentioned demographic differences, but that "where it is relevant, publications may report and express opinions in these areas."

The "News Watch Diversity Style Guide" is published by the Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism. Though not as widely used as those by the Associated Press or the New York Times, it is compiled by professional journalists from such diverse organizations as the Asian American Journalist Association; the National Association of Black Journalists; the National Association of Hispanic Journalists; then National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association, and others.

The News Watch style guide offers suggested usage of terms and phrases targeting specific ethnic groups and individuals, when for identification purposes, such identification is unavoidable. It also covers the use of jargon specific to individual ethnic groups, and suggests when and when not to refer to it when reporting.

The job of every reporter is to get the story, but they also have a moral and ethical responsibility to get the story right. Tastefully using race and ethnic descriptions in news stories adds validity and credibility to the reported information, and it also increases news accuracy. Following the guidelines created by established news organizations lowers the possibility of offending groups and individuals unrelated to the reported incident, and lessens the potential liability associated with typecasting or ethnic profiling.

Learn more about this author, Terry Marsh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to tastefully use racial and ethnic descriptions in news stories?
We want to hear your view. Write now!