Reporting "other" cultures

This chapter provides some help to reporters who want to create richer, more nuanced stories of our communities, ensuring that all cultural groups are included, particularly those who are often overlooked. Despite attempts by news organisations to employ more culturally, ­linguistically, and socially diverse reporters, most journalists in advanced liberal democracies continue to represent a group narrowly defined by class and culture. While some media institutions are becoming more aware of cultural diversity and positively addressing it with successful recruitment policies, the stereotypical white Anglo Saxon, middle-aged male journalist employed by those institutions has not necessarily taken the structural change into his heart, mind, and practice. Many communities believe they are only ever featured in the news media when there is a conflict or a negative issue. Some members of the so-called gang claim media reports of their "Apex gang's" activities are overblown and the focus on them by police is racist.