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?

Download the EJN’s five-point test for Hate Speech and use it in your newsroom.

More on hate speech from the EJN