16th September 2016
By Tom Law

5-Point Test for Hate Speech – English

Download the EJN 5-point test for hate speech in English and use it in your newsroom

How can journalists determine what is hate speech? In a world plagued by censorship, press freedom violations and propaganda it is difficult for reporters to judge what type of rhetoric is acceptable and what is intolerable. Currently there is no accepted international definition of hate speech and the levels of tolerance vary dramatically from country to country.

The below infographic helps journalists navigate through this minefield and take into consideration the wider context in which people express themselves. They must focus not just on what is said, but what is intended. It’s not just a matter of law or socially acceptable behaviour; it’s a question of whether speech aims to do others harm, particularly at moments when there is the threat of immediate violence.

TURNING THE PAGE OF HATE:

A MEDIA CAMPAIGN FOR TOLERANCE IN JOURNALISM

When it comes to hate speech, journalists and editors must pause and take the time to judge the potential impact of offensive, inflammatory content. The following test, developed by the EJN and based on international standards, highlights questions in the gathering, preparation and dissemination of news and helps place what is said and who is saying it in an ethical context.

1. STATUS OF THE SPEAKER

  • How might their position influence their motives?
  • Should they even be listened to or just ignored?

2. REACH OF THE SPEECH

  • How far is the speech traveling?
  • Is there a pattern of behaviour?

3. GOALS OF THE SPEECH

  • How does it benefit the speaker and their interests?
  • Is it deliberately intended to cause harm to others?

4. THE CONTENT ITSELF

  • Is the speech dangerous?
  • Could it incite violence towards others?

5. SURROUNDING CLIMATE – SOCIAL / ECONOMIC / POLITICAL

  • Who might be negatively affected?
  • Is there a history of conflict or discrimination?

DON’T SENSATIONALISE!

AVOID THE RUSH TO PUBLISH

TAKE A MOMENT OF REFLECTION

Download the EJN 5-point test for hate speech in English and use it in your newsroom

Download

The EJN’s 5-Point Test Infographics

The EJN’s 5-point test infographic has been translated into over 20 languages. Download it and use it in your newsroom. Contact us if you would like to support the campaign by translating the test into more languages.

Hate Speech

Watch the EJN Hate Speech video playlist

The dangers of hate speech in journalism are well known and can have tragic consequences. In response, the Ethical Journalism Network launched the Turning the Page of Hate campaign in 2014 to mark the 20 year anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.

Hate Speech