Regional journalism, according to Meadows & Ewart is central to the formation of ideas and beliefs in an area.
"There is evidence to suggest that regional journalism has a unique place and
role in the formation of identity and the creation of the concept of community.
It is this concept of community reinforced by regional media that impacts on
notions of identity - who belongs and who does not belong."- Journalism Theory in Practice (115:2006)
This chapter focuses on the way Indigenous Australians are represented, and not represented, in the media.
It's a case of the old "think global, act local" for Meadows & Ewart.
Regional journalists report on the "everyday" and by not including Indigenous Australia in this reportage regularly, it is argued that a level of racism is being carried out.
When such articles are included in the media, audiences may see it as novelty, furthering support for a view of Indigenous people as those existing outside of "normality".
As stated in the chapter, there is the idea that "Indigenous issues are not considered by journalists and others to be news because they do not appeal to the majority of readers."
Meadows & Ewart argue however that responsibility for this should be put on the media, particularly journalists themselves.
They say that unless the audience are presented with information about Indigenous Australians, how can they show their interest, thus how can the appeal of such articles by gauged.
The majority of coverage of issues affecting Indigenous Australia are, according to the chapter, generally negative and/or sensationalised.
Meadows & Ewart acknowledge the pressures on the modern regional journalist but argue for a more two-way approach to Indigenous Australia: contacts should be developed within communities to achieve greater balance in published opinion and events, then public interest in Indigenous Australia will be improved, eventually breaking down the cycle of racism.
These are lofty ideals but I agree that what is left unsaid, is just as damaging as what is said.
Indigenous Australia should make the headlines for reasons other than scandal and political gain.
2 comments:
I agree with your idea that what is left unsaid is just as damaging as what is said.
It is journalists that need to report more on indigenous matters so as to place it as part of the normality and spark interest with readers. By not including indigenous stories they are basically saying they are not worthy of inclusion.
I think journalists need to change their way of thinking about this issue and realise how influential their role is. They cannot just say the public is not interested when they drive public interest.
The importance of the regional journalist can not be underestimated. The national newspapers do not have the same opportunity to discuss local indigenous issues.
Definitely agree that saying nothing is worse than not saying anything at all.
Emma made a good point that the media drives public interest so how can they say the public arent interested?
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