What are the best practices for including diverse voices in news reporting?

1 Seek diverse sources

One of the key ways to include diverse voices in news reporting is to seek out and interview sources from different backgrounds, identities, and communities. This means going beyond the usual suspects, such as officials, experts, and spokespeople, and reaching out to people who are directly affected by the issues, who have lived experiences, and who can offer alternative views. To find diverse sources, journalists can use tools such as databases, directories, networks, and social media, as well as cultivate relationships with local organizations, groups, and individuals.

2 Avoid tokenism and stereotypes

Another important practice is to avoid tokenism and stereotypes when including diverse voices in news reporting. Tokenism is the practice of including a person or a group as a symbolic representation of diversity, without giving them meaningful participation or recognition. Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized assumptions about a person or a group, based on their identity or affiliation. Both tokenism and stereotypes can harm the credibility and accuracy of news reporting, as well as the dignity and trust of the sources. To avoid tokenism and stereotypes, journalists should include multiple voices from the same group, provide context and nuance, and challenge their own biases and assumptions.

3 Use inclusive language and formats

A third practice is to use inclusive language and formats when including diverse voices in news reporting. Inclusive language is language that respects and acknowledges the diversity of people's identities, expressions, and preferences. For example, using gender-neutral terms, asking for pronouns, and spelling names correctly. Inclusive formats are formats that make news reporting accessible and engaging for different audiences, such as using captions, transcripts, audio descriptions, and graphics. By using inclusive language and formats, journalists can communicate more effectively and respectfully with their sources and their readers.

4 Seek feedback and accountability

A fourth practice is to seek feedback and accountability when including diverse voices in news reporting. Feedback is the process of receiving and responding to comments, suggestions, and criticisms from sources, colleagues, and audiences. Accountability is the process of taking responsibility for the impact and consequences of news reporting, both positive and negative. By seeking feedback and accountability, journalists can improve their skills, learn from their mistakes, and build trust and credibility with their sources and their audiences.

5 Support diversity and inclusion in newsrooms

A fifth practice is to support diversity and inclusion in newsrooms, which are the places where news reporting is produced and distributed. Diversity and inclusion in newsrooms mean having a workforce that reflects the diversity of the society, as well as having a culture that values and embraces the differences among the staff. By supporting diversity and inclusion in newsrooms, journalists can benefit from the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of their colleagues, as well as create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

6 Keep learning and growing

A sixth and final practice is to keep learning and growing as a journalist who includes diverse voices in news reporting. Learning and growing mean staying curious, open-minded, and humble, as well as seeking new knowledge, skills, and opportunities. By keeping learning and growing, journalists can enhance their professional development, adapt to the changing needs and expectations of their sources and their audiences, and contribute to the advancement of journalism as a public service.