Ethical Guidelines for Documenting Stories of Marginalized Communities for INDIVISIBLE
Introduction
Journalists are profoundly responsible for reporting on marginalized communities with sensitivity, respect, and accuracy. This guide provides practical recommendations for journalists covering stories related to gender-based violence (GBV) and other sensitive issues affecting marginalized groups.
Key Principles
1. Know Your Purpose
Define Your Goals: Clearly understand why you are covering the story. What message do you want to convey? Who is your audience? This helps avoid sensationalism and focuses on the public interest.
Align with Mission: Ensure that your reporting aligns with your mission and vision as a journalist and that it serves the public interest.
2. Do Thorough Research
Contextual Understanding: Research the issue's context, history, and implications. Understand the unique struggles of the community you are covering.
Verify Facts: Ensure all facts, sources, and data are accurate to avoid spreading misinformation.
3. Respect Your Sources
Informed Consent: Always obtain informed, explicit consent from your sources. Explain where and how their story will be used.
Privacy and Safety: Protect the identity and safety of your sources; use alias names or identities, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like GBV.
4. Use Inclusive and Sensitive Language
Respectful Terminology: Use the terms, names, and pronouns that the community prefers. Avoid derogatory, offensive, or outdated language.
Avoid Stereotypes: Be mindful of language that could reinforce stereotypes or biases.
5. Provide Context and Warnings
Contextual Information: Provide background information and analysis, if you know it, to help the audience understand the issue's causes, effects, and implications. Otherwise, listen and be informed of their context.
Trigger Warnings: Include warnings for potentially disturbing content to prepare your audience.
6. Engage with the community
Collaborative Reporting: Work with the community as collaborators rather than subjects. This helps build trust and ensure accurate representation.
Feedback and Dialogue: Seek feedback from the community and be open to criticism and suggestions.
7. Ethical and Trauma-Informed Reporting
Do No Harm: Prioritize the well-being of your sources. Avoid re-traumatizing them during interviews.
Trauma-Informed Techniques: Use trauma-informed interviewing techniques, allowing the interviewee to set the pace and lead the conversation.
Practical Steps for Journalists
Before the Interview
Preparation: Prepare a list of questions that are respectful and considerate of the interviewee's experiences. Avoid questions that could be perceived as intrusive or insensitive.
Environment: Ensure the interview setting is safe and comfortable for the interviewee.
During the Interview
Active Listening: Listen actively and empathetically. Allow the interviewee to share their story in their own words.
Avoid Leading Questions: Do not ask leading questions that could influence the interviewee's responses.
After the Interview
Review and Reflect: Review the interview notes and reflect on how the story is represented. Ensure it is an authentic and respectful portrayal of the interviewee's experiences.
Follow-Up: Follow up with the interviewee to verify facts and ensure they are comfortable with how their story is being used.
Do's and Don'ts
Do's
Do Use Accurate and Respectful Language: Always use language that respects the dignity and identity of the community.
Do Provide Context: Offer background information to help the audience understand the broader context of the issue.
Do Seek Feedback: Engage with the community and seek their feedback on your reporting.
Don'ts
Don't Sensationalize: Avoid sensationalizing the story for clicks or ratings.
Don't Stereotype: Avoid using stereotypes or making assumptions about the community.
Don't Compromise Safety: Never compromise the safety and privacy of your sources.
Conclusion
Ethical journalism requires a commitment to accuracy, respect, and empathy. By following these guidelines, journalists can ensure their reporting on marginalized communities is responsible, inclusive, and impactful. This guide aims to support journalists in their efforts to document stories for INDIVISIBLE ethically and contribute to positive societal change with the end results that would be printed and published.