A Checklist for Tolerance

1. When dealing with stories where political hate-speech is used it is vital not to sensationalise. Ethical journalists will ask:

It may be outrageous, but is it newsworthy? What is the intention of the speaker?
What will be the impact of publication?
Is there a danger of inflaming passions and incitement to violence?
Is the speech fact-based and have the claims been tested?

2. In gathering and editing controversial material, journalists should avoid a rush to publish. It is helpful to pause, even if only for a few moments, to reflect on the contents of the story:

Have we avoided cliché and stereotypes?
Have we asked all the relevant and necessary questions?
Have we been sensitive to our audience?
Have we been temperate in use of language?
Do the pictures tell the story without resorting to violence and voyeurism?
Have we used diverse sources and included the voices of relevant minorities?
Does it meet standards set in editorial and ethical codes?

3. One last look and moment of reflection is always useful before pushing the button to publish:

Have we done good work?
Are there any nagging doubts?
And, finally, should I ask a colleague?

The EJN five-point test of hate speech has been developed by EJN advisers and is based on international standards.

It highlights some questions to be asked in the gathering, preparing and disseminating of news and information that will help journalists and editors place what is said and who is saying it in an ethical context.

Browse the report, and explore our related resources, by clicking on the links below.