Media Literacy: Ethical Coverage of Police Violence — Reporting on George Floyd and Beyond
When it comes to reporting on the police killings of and violence toward black and brown people, news coverage can provide important background and context to the national conversation, sparking a wide range of actions and reactions. But that news must adhere to certain standards in order to contribute meaningfully and minimize bias.
In the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, reporters and editors are urged to “boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience” while at the same time “avoid stereotyping” and “examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting.” Likewise, photojournalists should, “Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording subjects. Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups. Recognize and work to avoid presenting one’s own biases in the work.” The goal of news coverage should be to “minimize harm to the communities and people they cover.” Appropriately and accurately reporting on race-related police violence requires careful nuance and awareness of implicit bias. Unfortunately, news organizations sometimes fall short.
As news consumers, it is important to know what responsible reporting looks like. It’s also vital to call out local and national outlets when they act irresponsibly with their news coverage.
Here is a list gathered from racial justice organization Race Forward and other sources of what consumers should expect from news organizations:
- Coverage should not automatically attribute actions of those involved to Black Lives Matter or any other group.
- News outlets should avoid using the sensational phrase “race war” or anything similar. Outlets should also avoid the use of problematic but common phrases, such as “unarmed black man.” Often these phrases are code language that mean different things for different readers and listeners. When in doubt, ask if you would use the phrase in reference to someone of a different race (i.e., “unarmed white man”).
- Reporters should ensure they are even-handed in writing about past arrest records and personal background for those involved in the story. If it is not pertinent to the story, it should be left out.
- Sources should be members of the impacted communities as often as possible. Reporters should ensure the voices represented are diverse. They should speak with many members of these communities, both locally and across the nation. They should not rely on one or two voices.
- Writers and editors should be aware of emotionally charged word choices and their ability to dehumanize those involved in the story. For example, “assassination” vs. “murder” vs. “shooting.”
- Images should be cross-referenced across platforms to ensure they are actual images of the event.
- Photos and captions should accurately represent and provide context to the event they are covering.
- News outlets should avoid using mug shots and images that perpetuate the narrative that people of color are criminals. Images should uplift the humanity of those involved before anything else.
What can you do as a consumer of the news:
- If you have a problem with the coverage, send an email to the news editor, reporter, and/or photographer.
- Ask your preferred newsrooms what they are doing to ensure their staff members are racially sensitive.
- Encourage your local newspaper to examine the totality of its coverage of black and other minority communities. What proportion of their news coverage is about communities of color? What kinds of relationships has the publication built with members of those communities? Do stories about communities of color primarily represent them in a negative fashion?
- At the same time, know that local newsroom staff and budgets have been shrinking at a rapid rate. If you can, subscribe to your local newspaper.
Sources:
Race Forward: Best practices for journalists reporting on police killings of black and brown people
Poynter Institute: ‘Unarmed black man’ doesn’t mean what you think it means
Washington Post: How the news media distorts black families
The Conversation: Riot or resistance? How media frames unrest in Minneapolis will shape public’s view of protest
Columbia Journalism Review: The Pittsburgh problem: race, media and everyday life in the Steel City
Society of Professional Journalists: Code of Ethics
National Press Photographers Association: Code of Ethics
Meredith Gardner is the media literacy director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government.
