Black Americans are critical of news coverage of Black people, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center. The study found that 65% of Black Americans say that news organizations do not report on the issues that are important to Black people, and 61% say that news organizations do not represent Black people fairly.
Calls for Fairness in Coverage
Black Americans also say that educating journalists about Black culture and experiences would help improve the fairness of news coverage. The study found that 75% of Black Americans say that news organizations should do more to educate their journalists about Black culture and experiences. Nearly half of people say that news coverage largely stereotypes Black people, while only 11% say it does not stereotype very much. The rest say that both things happen equally.
Alarming Statistics
In addition, the survey asked Black Americans how often they come across news that is racist or racially insensitive about Black people. Nearly four in ten (39%) said they see this racially problematic news extremely or fairly often, and an additional 41% said they sometimes see such news.
A Response to George Floyd
The center’s findings highlight the shortcomings of the racial reckoning that occurred in newsrooms across the United States in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. During that time, news outlets focused on hiring for diversity and inclusion roles, and reporters and editors focused on covering communities that are typically underrepresented in the news.
The Main Criticisms of News Coverage of Black People
Black Americans have a number of criticisms of news coverage of Black people. Some of the most common criticisms include:
Reporting Issues
News organizations do not report on the issues important to Black people. Black Americans say that news organizations focus too much on crime and violence in Black communities and not enough on other issues, such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
Representation
News organizations do not represent Black people fairly. Black Americans say that news organizations often portray Black people in a negative light and that they do not give Black people a fair voice in the news.
Journalists
News organizations do not employ enough Black journalists. Black Americans say that news organizations need to hire more Black journalists to ensure that Black perspectives are represented in the news.
Educating Journalists About Black Culture and Experiences
According to many commentators, educating journalists about Black culture and experiences can help to improve the fairness of news coverage in several ways. First, it is believed that education can help journalists to understand better the issues that are important to Black people and the perspectives of Black people on those issues. Second, it can help journalists avoid stereotypes and assumptions about Black people. Third, it can help journalists to be more respectful of Black people and their culture. Specific examples of educating journalists about Black culture and experiences can improve the fairness of news coverage include:
History
Journalists can be taught about the history of racism in the United States and how it continues to impact Black people today. This knowledge can help journalists better understand the issues that Black people face and report on those issues more accurately and fairly.
Diversity
Journalists can be taught about the diversity of the Black community. The Black community is not monolithic, and there is much diversity. Educating journalists about this diversity can help them to avoid making stereotypes and assumptions about Black people.
Black Culture
Journalists can be taught about the importance of respecting Black culture an
d traditions. This can help them avoid making insensitive or disrespectful remarks when reporting on Black people and their communities.
Black People Should be Taken Seriously
Black Americans are critical of news coverage of Black people and say that educating journalists would make coverage fairer.
Accept Criticism
News organizations should take the criticisms of Black Americans seriously and work to improve their coverage of Black people. Educating journalists about Black culture and experiences is one-way news organizations can improve the fairness of their coverage.
News Organizations Should Be Supportive
In addition to the above, there are some other ways that news organizations can improve their coverage of Black people, according to experts in the field. This includes
Hiring
Hire more Black journalists. Black journalists are more likely to understand the Black community and its issues deeply.
Partner Up
Partner with Black community organizations. This can help news organizations build relationships with the Black community and learn more about the issues important to Black people.
The Right Training
Provide training to journalists on how to cover Black people fairly and accurately. This training should cover topics such as the history of racism in the United States, the diversity of the Black community, and the importance of respecting Black culture and traditions.By taking these steps, news organizations can improve the fairness of their coverage of Black people and ensure that Black voices are heard in the news.
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