Media Accountability
Too many news organizations stoke hate and spread misinformation for profit. Organizations including Fox News, Newsmax and the Sinclair Broadcast Group — the owner of the largest number of local-TV stations in the United States — all rely on a business model that dehumanizes people — especially communities of color — and makes people less safe.
We critique coverage and outlets that push hateful, biased or deceitful narratives, and we develop policy solutions that elevate independent, diverse and trustworthy voices.
Question and Answers
Q:
Why is this a racial justice issue?
A: Many media outlets traffic in stereotypical images and narratives that harm people of color. Strategies and tactics employed in newsrooms across the country perpetuate biased media representations.
These unjust portrayals of Black and Latinx communities have real-world consequences, including harsher treatment in courtrooms, doctors’ offices and interactions with law enforcement.
Q:
How should the media cover hate?
A: Too many outlets normalize hate speech or behave as passive observers of hateful actions. The media must stop providing a platform for racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, xenophobia and other forms of hate.
News outlets need to hold white supremacists accountable and acknowledge the dangers they pose to our democracy.