The Lessons Learned from Media Coverage of Racial Unrest in Ferguson, Missouri

Abstract

The idea of media representation of ethnic minorities has been an issue that journalists face for centuries. There has been a recent demand for more representative journalism and more diversity in the newsroom to increase the amount of perspectives shown. This paper investigates the Ferguson riots, how journalists covered the event and what they can do to improve coverage of racial riots (a public outbreak of violence between two different ethnic groups, whether the violence be to physical property or to other people) to create a more nuanced and representative picture. Through the analyses of online news articles reporting on the riots in Ferguson and a series of interviews conducted with reporters who were on the ground in Ferguson, some common themes to improve the representation of ethnic minorities emerge: Simply do not "parachute" in to the scene, but rather get to know the community you are reporting on. Do not rely on only government officials to tell the story. Lastly, do not take the riots at face value; gather information and data to create some context surrounding the events.