As a journalist, you want to tell stories that reflect the diversity of your audience and the world. But how can you ensure that you are not only including diverse sources and perspectives, but also representing them accurately and fairly? Here are some tips to help you improve your reporting skills and avoid common pitfalls.
Everyone has biases, whether conscious or unconscious, that can affect how they perceive and interpret information. Biases can stem from your personal background, education, culture, values, beliefs, and experiences. They can also be influenced by the media you consume, the sources you trust, and the stereotypes you encounter. To avoid letting your biases distort your reporting, you need to be aware of them and challenge them. You can do this by seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, and experts, by exposing yourself to different viewpoints and sources, and by reflecting on your assumptions and choices.
It is essential to study the social makeup of the place you will be reporting from. Most often, the same event is being viewed in a completely different lense by people separated by just a highway. Especially stop over at a local coffee/tea/convenience store. There are more stories and perspectives than one can imagine. Throw away the questionnaire in hand and try to have an honest conversation first.
Pay attention to your reactive thinking. When you read a story, look at a picture, or hear someone speak, what assumptions come to mind based on who or what is involved? If these assumptions line up with social stereotypes, don't be ashamed. We all do this. But use the moment to remind yourself that your mind is playing tricks on you. Think about a counter-example to prove yourself wrong. In this way, you can build your mental muscles to avoid falling into the bias trap.
Before you interview or quote someone from a different background, identity, or perspective, you need to do your homework. You need to understand the context, history, and nuances of their situation, as well as the terminology, concepts, and values that they use. You also need to avoid making generalizations or assumptions based on your own knowledge or experience. You can do this by reading, watching, or listening to reliable sources that represent the diversity of your topic, by consulting experts or organizations that can provide guidance and insight, and by asking respectful and open-ended questions that allow your sources to share their stories and opinions.
Doing your research doesn't have to be a chore. Listen to music, read books, go to movies by and about people in cultures and communities different from your own. Wander a neighborhood new to you. Eat something tasty. Strike up a conversation. And listen to the sights and sounds around you.
When you report on diverse perspectives, you need to be mindful of how you present and frame them. You need to avoid tokenism, sensationalism, stereotyping, and marginalization. You also need to respect the preferences and identities of your sources, such as their names, pronouns, affiliations, and labels. You can do this by diversifying your sources and giving them equal weight and space, by using accurate and appropriate language and visuals, by providing context and balance, and by acknowledging and correcting any errors or mistakes.
One of the most important skills for reporting on diverse perspectives is listening. Listening means not only hearing what your sources say, but also understanding what they mean, how they feel, and why they think that way. Listening also means being open to learning from your sources, rather than imposing your own agenda or perspective. You can do this by preparing well for your interviews, by creating a rapport and trust with your sources, by asking follow-up and clarifying questions, and by checking for understanding and accuracy.
Practice listening by spending time in community centers, restaurants, parks - any kind of gathering place where people like you don't normally go. Then just pay attention to what's around you. The conversations, the cadence, the niceties that people use and the things they talk about. This investment of time will help you do a better job setting aside your own perspective and assumptions when you're on deadline. When the time comes to interview someone, ask more questions if you're not sure you understand. Repeat what you think you heard back to your source so they can confirm that you actually got it right.
Another key skill for reporting on diverse perspectives is engaging. Engaging means not only informing your audience, but also involving them in your reporting process and outcome. Engaging also means empowering your sources and audience, rather than exploiting or patronizing them. You can do this by soliciting feedback and input from your audience, by providing opportunities for dialogue and interaction, by highlighting solutions and actions, and by acknowledging and celebrating diversity.
Reporting on diverse perspectives is not only a professional duty, but also a personal opportunity. It can help you broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and enrich your stories. It can also help you connect with your audience, build trust and credibility, and make a positive impact. By following these tips, you can improve your reporting skills and accurately represent diverse perspectives in your journalism.