ISSUES OF STEREOTYPES IN NEWS WRITING AND REPORTING

By Lawrence Sunday Ogwang

A “stereotype” is a cognitive shortcut of journalists and news producers within the media that allows their minds to make quick inaccurate judgment and selection about events and stories that are reported and how they are covered. The term "media stereotype or bias" implies a prevalent or widespread bias contravening the standards of journalism.

Many media houses have their different orientations towards what they think make news for them. Considering Uganda, Red Paper newspaper is widely known for publishing obscene images and stories because they think it makes more news. This orientation has a bias behind them.

Types of stereotypes in news writing and reporting

Ø  Gender bias

Ø  Political bias

Ø  Religious bias

Ø  Racial bias

Ø  Tribal bias

What We Can Do to Combat Stereotypes and Bias

But there’s hope, as evidenced by the test takers described in Why So Few. You can do something to curb the negative effects of bias and stereotypes. Here’s how to get started.

1. Take the implicit bias test yourself. See what biases based on gender, sexuality, age, and race you hold.
2. Admit that you have those biases — it’s ok! It’s what you do next that matters.
3. Keep those biases in mind and take steps to correct them by slowing down and recognizing where they might be coming into play in your life. Are your “gut feelings” about job candidates valid or the product of biases? Are you discounting what a colleague is saying because of your biases? Educators, are biases affecting how you teach, advice, and evaluate students? Parents, are you sending different messages to your sons and daughters?
4. Expose yourself to different experiences. By stepping out of your usual routines, you might better understand people who are different from you or how stereotypes came to be. Travel and education can go a long way toward mitigating biases.
5. Raise awareness of biases. The first step to changing a problem is admitting you have one — and society has a problem. Have conversations with friends and encourage them to take the implicit bias test.