How can journalists promote social justice without sacrificing professional integrity?

We all bring our biases to a story. The key is to be transparent about where we stand. (Photo from Wix library)

By ANNA PATTON

International Journalists' Network (IJNet)

It’s not uncommon for journalists to want their reporting to result in positive change. But how can they promote important causes through their work without sacrificing professional integrity — and while sustaining a viable career? 

Several approaches are possible, as reporters today demonstrate.

In 2020, two Israeli researchers identified what they termed “obsessive-activist” journalists who are motivated by a strong sense of justice and push for change in two ways. First, as journalists, through obsessively continuing to report on the issues they care about; and second in a personal capacity through activities such as lobbying politicians or helping people in need. As long as these reporters remain professional they can perform an important public service, said Zvi Reich, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, who co-authored the study with Dr. Avshalom Ginosar.

Meanwhile, at the London College of Communication, students can pursue a master’s degree in social justice journalism, defined as “journalism that seeks to make the world a better place.” The track was created in response to interest in issues such as climate change, migration and human rights, according to Vivienne Francis, director of One World Media and a senior lecturer at the school.

Harriet Grant is a U.K.-based freelancer covering social affairs and human rights, with a focus on children’s rights; she was longlisted for the inaugural Tenacious Journalism Awards, which recognize journalists making a positive social impact in the U.K. Grant doesn’t consider herself a campaigner, but she has certain social change goals in mind for her work.

“I try to approach these goals in an open-minded way,” she said. “For example, when reporting on children and play I see evidence that they need better protection in planning law. So I look for stories that will help me examine that, and look at possible answers.”

Francis, Grant and Reich shared advice on how journalists can approach their reporting in efforts to drive positive change. Here are some highlights:  

(1) Stick to key principles

It’s crucial that journalists who advocate for causes adhere to the core tenets of the profession.

“They must remember the basic principles of journalism [...] truth, accuracy, asking critical questions [...] We can't lose sight of that,” said Francis. 

Reich, who worked as a journalist for 14 years before entering academia, said that amplifying the truth is arguably “the greatest public interest” today: “The news environment is flooded by self-interest and fake news, so we have to be very strict about anything that goes beyond the simple commitment to facts.”

[Read more: 9 tips for cultivating balance ahead of a year of relentless reporting and fact-checking]

(2) Recognize biases and embrace transparency

We all regularly take positions on issues whether we realize it or not, noted Grant.

“You can be seen as radical and ‘campaign-y’ if you're reporting [on] things that challenge the status quo,” she said. “It’s important to remember that it’s taking a position to assume the status quo is the right thing.”

In a similar vein, we all bring our biases to a story, Reich noted; the key is to be transparent about where we stand.

“Today, you would not admit to a supermarket any item of food that is not very clear about the ingredients,” Reich said.

Journalists should offer similar transparency in their coverage.

“It’s a new norm of consuming information,” he added. 

To recognize your biases, get out of your echo chamber, suggested Francis. Read a variety of sources and engage in debates with those who hold different opinions. This also offers the chance to see if your positions stand up to scrutiny. 

Importantly, seeking out views that might not align with your own can help you better inform yourself, and make your story stronger.

“Don't be afraid to really have the other point of view strongly in the piece,” said Grant. “Seek balance and let people judge on the facts.”

When staking out a position in a story, ask yourself:

1. What’s wrong with my argument? 

2. What would other people say?

   
   

(3) Speak to those directly affected — and do rigorous research 

If you’re starting out in social justice journalism, talk to people directly affected by the issue at hand, Francis advised: “You can't have a better starting place than the people on the ground, the people who are living and breathing these issues.”

Journalists who focus on a particular cause should always strive to provide fresh analysis or new information in their coverage, and regularly seek to sharpen their expertise, said Reich.

“This is a very big challenge," he said. "It’s not doing regular, routine journalism [...] I’m talking about very ambitious dedication across time and becoming an avid learner.” 

(4) Build strong relationships — but remember, you’re the journalist 

Creating strong relationships with sources and contributors is key across journalism. It can be more challenging, however, if you’re a specialist covering the same issue over many years as you’ll often be in touch with the same people, in some cases creating friendships, said Grant. 

“It is difficult. Sometimes you have to push back a little and say, ‘I’m the journalist, and I’m deciding how this is being framed and written.’”

[Read more: The year we redefine our relationship with audiences and our role in society]

(5) Be aware of the challenges 

Obsessive-activist journalists are very rarely beginners, said Reich. They’re mostly experienced professionals who’ve been disappointed by conventional journalism. Now, they “know the rules, and [...] they have the resources to break the rules and make their own.” 

While it’s a career path that can be highly fulfilling, it’s not easy.

“There is no manual for how to build an obsessive-activist career,” he said. 

Reporting on social justice issues can attract skepticism from others in the media, and hostility from readers. Having a support system when a barrage of backlash comes your way is crucial, said Francis.

“Even within the industry, [social justice journalism] is seen as [not] being worthy or [as] proper journalism, so it is [often] open to additional layers of criticism.” 

(6) Remember that it does make a difference

Provided they are transparent and acknowledge facts that contradict their position, journalists who want to highlight an issue can provide a valuable public service, said Reich.

“It may sound a bit idealistic, but I think that [social justice] journalism, done well, has the power to drive change,” said Francis.

It can improve how we report stories of all kinds, for example by countering stereotypes, addressing underrepresentation, or working with vulnerable people in an ethical way.

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This article originally appeared on the website of the International Journalists' Network (IJNet). IJNet, like Global Business Journalism, is a project of the International Center for Journalists.

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