The Australian Human Rights Commission release handbook to shake up reporting on race
The Australian Human Rights Commission, in partnership with Media Diversity Australia, has produced the Race Reporting Handbook aimed to help overcome misrepresentation and stereotyping in the media.
From reporting on First Nations people to racism in newsrooms, the handbook includes tips to overcome inequality.
Race discrimination commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman said the media has the power to decide who tells stories, whose stories are told, and how they are told.
“Responsible reporting, which is built on racial literacy, is essential for creating any anti-racist society.
“It’s time to shift narratives from sensationalist headlines and move to editorial decision-making that are reflective of stories that showcase strengths rather than diminish negatively racialised communities.”
The handbook contains principles and checklists for anti-racist journalistic and editorial practices, including recruitment for greater diversity in media workplaces.
“Inclusive storytelling will better amplify underrepresented voices for more robust reporting,” commissioner Sivaraman added.
Media Diversity CEO Mariam Veiszadeh said: “Enhancing the racial literacy of a sector that informs and shapes the health of our democracy can result in more nuanced and inclusive reporting, greater audience reach, and a stronger, more resilient democracy.”
The launch comes as the Australian Human Rights Commission is set to release the National Anti-Racism Framework later this year – an initiative aimed at dismantling racism across all sectors of Australian society.
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topics
Australian Human Rights Commission
Giridharan Sivaraman
Mariam Veiszadeh
Media Diversity Australia
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