For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Indianapolis,
IN
Friday, February 12, 2021
Contact: Matthew T. Hall, SPJ National President, 619-987-7786, mhall@spj.org
Ashlynn Neumeyer, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-361-4133, aneumeyer@spj.org
INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists joins the Asian American Journalists Association in condemning recent harassment and violence toward Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, including threats against journalists.
We support AAJA in its encouragement of newsrooms across the country to expose the harassment and mistreatment that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have endured, which has been exacerbated by untrue and racist assumptions about the coronavirus pandemic. We also denounce all threats against journalists, including the race-related harassment of AAPI journalists. No journalist should be harassed or threatened for doing their job, for any reason, especially because of their race or ethnicity. Lastly, we want to emphasize that media outlets should allocate the resources to uncover racism and violence and empower journalists to produce more comprehensive stories that will reveal untrue and harmful misconceptions.
“Journalists need to listen, more than ever, to communities that are hurting and that are looking for both representation and assurances that their concerns are being reflected in news coverage,” SPJ National President Matthew T. Hall said. “Amplifying diverse voices is so important because journalists need to reflect their communities to best serve them, and because it can bring about positive change and have a lasting impact. We ask that news managers and directors prioritize this coverage now and in the future, and that they not only allow reporters to cover these stories but also encourage them to do so.”
For those seeking guidance about reporting on these issues, you may reach out to AAJA experts, the SPJ Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the SPJ Race & Gender Hotline and refer to the SPJ Code of Ethics.
SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.
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