From attacks on Asian Americans to civil protests over racial inequality and social injustice, newsrooms across the country face challenging questions regarding reporting on stories centering around race, religion and more. America’s local radio and television broadcasters and network partners are dedicated to creating awareness of these important issues impacting our audiences, working with community leaders and providing a voice for vulnerable communities. To that end, NAB and the NAB Leadership Foundation have developed resources to help stations cover these stories with care while also keeping reporters on the ground safe.
The Awareness in Reporting toolkit draws from the experiences of journalists, news directors, journalism school faculty and broadcast industry leaders, among others. It includes specific guidelines for corporate offices, news management, reporters, producers, writers and photojournalists, as well as examples from newsrooms demonstrating how they covered certain stories. The toolkit also addresses how to handle crisis situations and the role of social media in news coverage. NAB recently added resources from Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC to help broadcasters report on the Asian American community as well as cover the wave of hate crimes against Asian Americans.
The Defending Journalism toolkit includes guidance from the Radio Television Digital News Association, Poynter Institute, Society of Professional Journalists and others on how journalists can stay safe while reporting on protests and demonstrations.
NAB thanks stations across the country for your continued service to your communities during this difficult time. It is our honor to represent you in the nation’s capital, and we are always here for our members.