How to Incorporate Vulnerable Voices in Your News Coverage

The most impactful narratives in journalism often center on the perspectives of individuals lacking in influence or authority. Centering voices in vulnerable positions ensures that underreported issues will be brought to light, raising the likelihood that institutions will be held responsible for their part in them. There’s a distinct power dynamic between the vulnerable source and the reporter that must be approached with care, lucidity, and empathy.

Something else to keep in mind: a vulnerable source may face a significant risk of becoming the target of harassment or being shunned by their communities because they’ve spoken with a member of the press. While reporters need to prioritize their safety in the field, there are instances where the protection of their sources becomes the priority. It is crucial for journalists to take every measure possible to safeguard all parties involved and ensure that their writing does not result in any harm.

Knowing When to Maintain Confidentiality

When a reporter is working with a source that has the risk of being negatively affected by a piece, it may be the best course of action to begin the process off the record until the source is comfortable enough to go on the record with their personal story. It also helps to make it clear to the source what exactly that will involve, including the potential risks.

For instance, a reporter for The Marshall Project, Shoshana Walter, was interviewing a mother who was reported to Child Protective Services for taking Suboxone to treat her opioid addiction even though she was actively sober. Working on the piece—particularly in sharing confidential details about a CPS file—meant there was a potential risk of criminal charges and further scrutiny for the mother, greatly magnified by the fact that she  was a person of color. Walter’s source needed to first know these risks in order to make a truly informed decision to go on the record.

Also, it is likely in the best interest of all parties involved to steer clear of revealing specifics pertaining to the source’s location. Journalists: If your reporting involves filming at a source’s home, you need only show parts of the inside. Never make anyone aware of its actual location from the outside or any of its surrounding streets.

Using the Proper Language and Communication

Reports on vulnerable populations such as the LGBTQ+ community need to respect their unique needs; research into  the barriers these communities encounter is essential to best communicate with and about them. For the LGBTQ+ population in particular, the differences between sex and gender need to be communicated, especially given the fact that these terms are often used interchangeably.

Basic respect entailsusing the source’s proper pronouns and having knowledge of the discrimination this source may be experiencing and how it manifests. Both the reporter and source benefit from being educated in these respects because trust will ultimately be gained, ensuring the story will be told in the most accurate way possible.

Fortifying the Foundation

Keeping the source’s trust from beginning to end involves maintaining the same level of communication going throughout. At the start, the journalist needs to ensure the source has every step of the process laid out and clearly communicated to them.

As the time nears for the story to be released and made public, communication with the source should continue; it would be unwise for the reporter to put their full focus on producing the piece. Keeping the source out of the loop during this part of the process could leave them feeling unsure and therefore unsafe. As long as this continuous dialogue and collaboration is maintained throughout, mistrust and uncertainty will be avoided.