Ideas on how you can speak up against racism in the media

Many of us notice racial bias in the media's reporting and language.

1. Call talkback radio and make your opinion heard. Prepare by having the relevant facts handy.
2. Send letters to the editor of the magazine or newspaper. Tips for writing successful letters to the editor are on the Wilderness Society website.
3. Talk about the positives. Too often stories about Indigenous Australians focus on despair or negative stereotypes and images. Talk about success stories that you know of and of your personal positive experiences with Indigenous Australians.
4. Report. Media stories or broadcasts that appear racially discriminatory should be reported to the Australian Broadcasting Authority; the Australian Advertising Standards Council; or the Press Council for newspaper stories.

Key Resource

Message Stick has produced an Indigenous Protocol document (PDF) hoping to assist journalists, filmmakers, producers and documentary makers to understand the importance of abiding by Indigenous Protocols. This document has been written as a guide to help bridge the gap between the needs of Television and Film makers and the Indigenous people and their customs.

SPEAK UP AGAINST RACISM | At Home | At Work | Among Friends | In the Media | About Governments

The Racism Makes Me Sick campaign is running in collaboration with The Body Shop, which is promoting the campaign from 21 April – 12 May 2008 as part of their commitment to defending human rights and promoting Reconciliation in Australia.