Journalism is part of a system of social apartheid, says report

Journalism is a middle-class profession, part of "a system of social apartheid", contributors to a new report have suggested.

The report, which summarised the views of Irish organisations dealing with social exclusion about the media, says trainee journalists should have to get involved with the socially excluded.

The authors say some voluntary groups' representatives think media managers should employ people other than graduates and that training for journalists "may be too classroom based".

"Perception is Power - Social Exclusion and the Media" was prepared for 88 Irish organisations dealing with social exclusion that are supported by the EU's Integra fund. It recommends that journalism courses should include a module on social inclusion and students should have "in the field" involvement in socially marginalised communities.

An analysis of what the authors considered to be Irish media reports on social exclusion found that over an eight-week period, 63 per cent of the coverage related to the issue of asylum-seekers and immigration. Only 37 per cent related to all other "social exclusion" issues.

The report says media outlets should employ more social exclusion specialist correspondents and it calls on newspapers to send sub-editors to workshops on "language sensitivities". The workshops could also look at "developing and managing a style book which is sensitive to the position of socially excluded individuals and groups".

The report calls on newspapers and broadcasters to use the Internet to provide extra information on social issues and says right of reply facilities should be researched. The report suggests the Australian Press Council as "a potentially useful model".

It says voluntary groups would benefit from getting more resources for media training, which would make their approach to media organisations more professional.

The Equality Authority and the Combat Poverty Agency announced yesterday that they would set up a "media forum" to raise awareness of social exclusion and encourage journalists to reflect on their coverage of marginalised groups.

Two half-day meetings will be held each year by the organisations, at which voluntary groups will be able to debate with journalists and editors.

roddyosullivan@ireland.com