Reporting diversity

How journalists can contributeto community cohesion

What is Community Cohesion?

Acohesive community is one in which:•there is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all communities;•the diversity of people’s different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciatedand positively valued;•those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities;•strong and positive relationships exist between people from differentbackgrounds in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.

Reporting Diversity

was developed by the Society of Editors and the Media Trustand funded by the Cohesion and Faiths Unit of the Home Office. The Society of Editors has more than 400members in national, regional and localnewspapers and magazines and broadcasting, new media, journalism educationand media law. It campaigns for media freedom, self-regulation, the public’s rightto know and the maintenance of standards in journalism.Society of Editors, University Centre, Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RU. Tel: 01223 304080 The Media Trust works in partnership with the media industry to help the voluntarysector build effective communications.

The Media Trust, 3-7 Euston Centre, Regents Place, London NW1 3JG. Tel: 020 7874 7603

This guide offers advice and practical help to journalists about how to rise to the challenge andavoid the perils and pitfalls of reporting communityissues. I commend it to everyone whose job isreporting these stories.