Newsroom
Covering the elections? Read the NUJ’s race reporting guidelines
The NUJ is urging members to stand up for journalism by challenging the claims of racist parties in the forthcoming European and local elections and by making their votes as citizens count.
Many working journalists are targeted by far-right websites for exposing the criminal links of candidates or past convictions for fraud, violence or anti-semitic and racist views.
There is even a dedicated section of the Redwatch website aimed at intimidating journalists, for example those who have worked on programmes which have exposed the racist views of BNP members.
As working journalists we are of course expected to be balanced when reporting all political parties, including far-right parties - that does not mean giving them an easy ride.
Inside the newsroom, the NUJ is asking its members to follow the union’s guidelines on reporting racist organisations:
- Do not sensationalise by reports, photographs, film or presentation the activities of racist organisations.
- Seek to publish or broadcast material exposing the myths and lies of racist organisations and their anti-social behaviour.
- Do not allow the letters column or 'phone-in' programmes to be used to spread racial hatred in whatever guise.
- When interviewing representatives of racist organisations or reporting meetings or statements or claims, journalists should carefully check all reports for accuracy and seek rebutting or opposing comments. The antisocial nature of such views should be exposed.
NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear said: “In practice, this is all about the basics of good reporting. It’s about challenging political candidates and making sure readers, listeners and viewers are aware of the facts. It means challenging far-right candidates on statements about crime or race. It can also mean informing the public about candidates’ convictions for violence or racist abuse.”
Chapels should raise objections with management if BNP adverts appear in the papers, or on their websites.
Download the NUJ guidelines
The union suggests members print out the NUJ guidelines on race reporting and circulate them in their newsrooms.
Outside the newsroom, the NUJ is encouraging its members to get involved with events within the wider trade union movement that are making a stand to oppose the divisive politics of far-right parties. The call comes following last week’s Union Friday (May 15th), a trade union day of action to show opposition to the divisive politics of far-right parties. More details are available at www.hopenothate.org.uk.
The NUJ has a long history of opposing the racism and fascism, not only because the racist policies of parties like the BNP are completely opposite to the union’s equality policies, but also because BNP members have targeted journalists who have reported the truth about their party, intimidating them and threatening them with violence.
20 May 2009
