description of activity
Break the group into pairs. Ask them to read the articles (see Tips for Trainers) and discuss the content.
Bring them back to the plenary.
Ask them:
- what was the article about and who was the source.
- What role had the person with the disability in the article?
- Were they at the centre of the article?
- Were they mentioned or quoted?
- What was the perception created by the article around the person capability?
- Could the article being written in any other way?
Ask the pairs to get together and either write a new article or a radio feature around the same issue.
ASSESSING LEARNING OUTCOMES
The article / radio feature prepared by the pairs should show awareness of
- the use of language that is respectful, not offensive or discriminatory.
- the need to include the voice of the person with a disability at the centre of the story
- and escaping stereotyping approaches in reporting issues around disability (victim / hero)
information on the activity
Participants in this activity will look at reports of issues related to minorities in media and rewrite /retell them according to best practice.
Participants will be able
to identify and explain, and apply ethical criteria for inclusive and constructive reporting with respect to the concerned social/cultural group.
INFRASTRUCTURE
A room with chairs and table
EQUIPMENT
Portable Recorders /Laptops
MATERIALS
Articles/short videos/radio interviews about issues affecting different/specific minority groups. Some examples specific to people living with disabilities can be found under Train the Trainers below.
DURATION
60 minutes
RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
10
TIPS FOR TRAINERS
Below are a few examples of articles that could be used to work on media treatment and reporting on people with disabilities (similar media pieces can be used for other specific minority groups):
- Reporting on disability without the voice of the person affected
- Mainstream media representation of disability
The articles below, also on the issue of people with disabilities, can be considered best practice examples
- A voice in media. Person with disability at the centre of the article.
- An article that raises important questions around perceptions.
- Not a victim or a hero.
- When to use the term disability.
Make yourself aware of best practice and existing guidelines