Methods for more diverse reporting: A guide

In the past year, the push for more diverse reporting has become more important than ever. Journalists should be taking into account the sources they’re using in their stories and why. This shift of change has reporters and editors rethinking how to do their jobs and what kinds of stories they tell.

Andree Lau, Editor-in-Chief Huffington Post Canada

Diversity also includes abilities, sexual orientation, geography and social status. Andree Lau, editor-in-chief of Huffington Post Canada, shared these different definitions at the NASH80 conference hosted by The Eyeopener, Ryerson University’s independent student newspaper. During her talk, “Diversity in the Newsroom (But Not as an Afterthought)”, she suggested journalists keep in mind a few methods.

1) Pitch stories from your own experiences

• This is a great way to think outside the box from traditional storytelling. While we often get story ideas from current news, great stories can come from our own communities as well.
• A great example is this one from Maclean’s.

2) Go to different places for sources

• Don’t go to Chinatown just for Chinese New Years. People of different communities have thoughts on topics well-beyond just their culture.

3) Approach people of all ages

• Doing streeters can be difficult but you should always keep trying to talk to people of all ages. Get off campus and talk to people who aren’t students. If you’re writing about childcare, maybe speak to a young parent, a grandparent, etc.

4) Look for new experts

• Often, the experts we use in our sources are male. When going through a list of names, try to pick out female or ethnic names to get a different voice. In fact, start making a list of experts on different subject matter has you encounter them in articles, networking events, panels, etc. It’ll come in handy one day.

5) Call people on the west coast (especially when working on a deadline)

• When you’re trying to get different contacts to talk to you in one day, people often aren’t available . If you call someone on the west coast, they’re starting their day earlier and might have time to talk to you. It also gives a different geographical perspective.

6) Ask how people want to be identified

• Asking people how they want to be identified is a good way to ensure they’re not being misgendered. It also helps create a trusting relationship with your source. Identification also includes their ethnicity. Is someone just Spanish or Spanish Canadian? It’s up to them!

7) Talk to people behind the scenes

• Often times journalists will talk to event coordinators, important attendees and other representatives. Try talking to the janitors of the building or parents dropping off their kids. Sometimes getting those voices can add something different to the story or lead to new ones.

As a student journalist I was so inspired by these tips. Some I had learned while in school, and others I never really thought about! They are a great guide for any journalist dedicated to more diverse reporting. These small but important tips are just little ways that newsrooms can prevent stereotypes and mistakes in their stories.