The mass media has a very crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing public perception on various social issues. In the midst of technological advances, the media is not only a source of news. But also an agent of change that can bring positive or negative influences. One of the biggest challenges facing the media today is how they can present news that is fair, accurate, and inclusive. Especially in raising issues of women and marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples.
Inclusive values in media coverage are not just about giving a voice to those who have been marginalized. They are also about ensuring that every narrative that is raised is free from prejudice, stigma, or discrimination. Inclusion means involving all parties equally and giving equal space to express their opinions and be heard. When the media practice inclusive values, they are not only fulfilling their ethical and professional responsibilities. They are also helping to create a more just and equal society.
Issues of women and indigenous peoples are often overlooked or presented in a way that is insensitive to their cultural context and lived experiences. Mainstream media tends to present dominant perspectives and ignore the voices of marginalized groups. This can lead to stereotypes and discrimination becoming more entrenched in society. Therefore, it is important for the media to have an inclusive perspective in their coverage. So that every issue can be conveyed holistically and fairly.
As the gatekeeper of information, the media has a great responsibility to present news that is not only informative, but also educational and influences positive change. By adopting inclusive values, the media can play a significant role in raising the issues of women and indigenous peoples. As well as providing platform for them to share their stories and experiences. This not only helps raise public awareness of the issues they face. But also encourages policy changes and actions that are more in favor of social justice.
In this article, we will explore why the media needs to adopt inclusive values in their coverage. Also how the media’s role in highlighting women’s and marginalized groups’ issues can have a significant impact on society.
Konde.co as an alternative media that focuses on issues of women and other marginalized groups, shares its experiences on how the media should report on marginal issues with inclusive values.
Nurul Nur Azizah, managing editor of konde.co said, when an independent researcher or lecturer conveys the issues they study, they usually stand alone without much interaction with the wider ecosystem. However, as journalists, we operate in an interconnected ecosystem. Namely involving media workers, content, public voices, and media regulation and ownership.
Each media has a different character and approach in reporting, especially regarding indigenous community issues. There are three main things that need to be considered in reporting on indigenous communities, said Nurul, namely: journalistic code of ethics, reporting guidelines and media perspective.
This reflection departs from Nurul's experience working in mainstream media and now in alternative media. There are significant differences in raising issues, coverage angles, and the way we narrate existing issues. Every profession has a code of ethics, and for journalists, verification is one of the most important. Especially in indigenous peoples' issues, verification is crucial. The Press Council has established rules in the Press Law, such as Article 1 which states that journalists must obtain information professionally. Our attitude in dealing with sources who have experienced trauma is also very important.
Other articles, such as Article 2, emphasize that journalists must not spread false, slanderous, sadistic, and obscene news. This often occurs in cases of sexual violence in indigenous communities and the land grabbing they experience. Article 8 also emphasizes that journalists must not write news based on prejudice or discrimination. This means that there must be no stereotype or discrimination in marginalized issues such as women and indigenous peoples. Journalists must be sensitive, sensitive, and not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion, gender, skin color, or physical and mental conditions. This is important in raising the issue of disability.
Nurul also added that, apart from the journalistic code of ethics, there are also writing guidelines. cyber platform. Although the media are different, the basic principles remain the same. The guidelines emphasize the importance of not using biased or sexist words and avoiding discrimination in reporting. “A journalist must learn from a companion or institution that accompanies marginalized groups. The goal is to understand and compile angle "The right writing," said Nurul.
At konde.co, we strive to implement inclusive journalism. Where every news report does not contain negative stigma or prejudice, especially if the source is a marginalized group. The use of appropriate language and diction, the loading of appropriate photos and videos, and angle inclusive writing is our effort to present fair and unbiased news.
However, being a journalist in the capital city has its own challenges, especially in covering indigenous people's issues. The main difficulties are financial and human resources for alternative media journalists. Meanwhile, national media journalists are often less critical in selecting appropriate sources. "For example, in coverage of the economic empowerment of indigenous communities, the voice that is heard more is from the government, not from the indigenous communities themselves," he added.
Another challenge is the issue of journalist safety. Although the Press Law regulates the safety and protection of journalists, its implementation has not been optimal. Journalists must protect themselves and their sources with a multi-layered process such as pre-broadcast, broadcast, and post-broadcast. Preparation of physical and mental health, costs, risk mitigation, location research, and cooperation with regional institutions are very important. When broadcasting, journalists must ask for the source's permission for photos and videos. The aim is to maintain privacy and not mention names or location details in cases of sexual violence.
In order for regional issues to remain prominent, collaboration with local media is essential. Consolidation with women's alternative media, such as that carried out by konde.co, can help in providing information and developments on issues in each region. In addition, intensify campaigns on social media by packaging marginal issues so that they are easy to understand and quickly spread by netizens. Main mapping inclusive and gender-based issues can also be a bargaining chip in coverage collaboration.
With these efforts, we can present inclusive, fair and unbiased reporting, as well as elevate the voices of marginalized groups in a professional and ethical manner.
