Inclusive journalism goes beyond representation in the workplace; in addition, it is how we reshape how our stories are sourced and how they may be told and received. It is about giving voices to those who have historically been silenced or questioning the dominant narratives, building a complete spectrum of human experiences.
Inclusivity is in front of and behind the story
Who we choose to interview is just as important as who conducts the interview. By ensuring everyone is represented in every facet of the industry, we can challenge the status quo and give everyone a voice.
Putting this into practice could mean diversifying staff in the newsroom to provide a more eclectic range of perspectives or working to strengthen relationships with communities that are underrepresented.
It is not enough to simply cover diverse topics; in addition, we need to ensure equity is embedded into the practice of journalism.
Sports journalism
Sports journalism holds a unique place and potentially offers the strongest grounds for motivating this shift. Athletes come from every walk of life, with their stories often intersecting with race, gender, identity, and politics.
Great sports journalism not only highlights the performance but also the context of the performance. How did the athlete get here, and how has their background shaped their game?
Joining a sports journalism course is the best way to start. You will find plenty of options, such as schoolofjournalism.co.uk/journalism-courses/sports/.
Inclusivity is not a trend; instead, it is the future. The small steps we take today can make all the difference in paving the way for everyone.