Guidelines for Proper Sensitive Coverage, A Manifesto

In a recent article published by The Beacon Magazine, "An intimate look inside the lives of student sex workers," reporters Anne E. Matica and Dana Gerber, though maybe well-intentioned, attempt to depict the lives and livelihoods of Emerson student sex workers. However, not only do the reporters inappropriately use identifying information about Emerson students, they also sensationalize the reality of sex work and downplay the complex and intensely dangerous nature of the industry, effectively misrepresenting and erasing vulnerable populations of people who rely on this work for income. This manifesto is meant to serve as a guide for journalists, writers, artists, and creators who wish to center vulnerable populations, like sex workers, in their art. The purpose of these guidelines is to help reporters like Matica and Geber, and publications like The Beacon who may want to cover stories that require sensitivity and nuance.

1. The creator should not include personal, identifying information about subjects and sources, assuming the creator wishes to center a vulnerable population in their work. The creator must pay close attention to the details, anecdotes, and personal information they include in the final product, regardless of what the subject disclosed during interview, and understand the implications of reporting on vulnerable communities and sensitive topics. Open Democracy discusses respectful reporting in their article, "A guide to respectful reporting and writing on sex work."

2. The creator should be cautious of the range of sources and subjects they chose to include in their projects. If the creator wishes to document the authentic experiences of underrepresented communities, they must do so holistically, including members of diverse racial, ethic, cultural, economic, and other identity-based backgrounds. In Digital Journal's, "Using multiple sources when publishing 'In the Media' articles," author Chris Hogg discusses the importance of using a "comprehensive" list of sources, specifically in the realm of digital publishing.

3. Photos and other imagery should be taken and used, only with explicit permission from the source or subject. When reporting on vulnerable people, those who may be in danger if their identity is revealed because of the nature of their work or home-life, creators must remember whose terms they ought to be operating on. For example, if a journalist snaps and publishes identifying photos of a protestor at a rally, they put said protester's safety and potentially legal standing in great risk. However, the reporter who is cognizant of proper coverage of vulnerable groups would blur the protesters face to protect them and their anonymity. This issue is outlined by Poynter in their article "Photographers are being called on to stop showing protesters’ faces. Should they?"

4. Publishing stories on sensitive, potentially emotionally triggering content is not inherently problematic. However, when doing so, creators must be mindful of where and how they choose to publish. Is a private college's official newspaper the best forum to be publishing personal, explicit content about sex work? No— it's far too public, accessible to the community, and mainstream for a story of this sensitivity. Creators should remember they are often entering alternative, underground spaces when centering niche communities. Selecting the right platform to house conversations about these spaces and communities is also an essential aspect of sensitive coverage. The International Research & Exchanges Board discusses the importance of conflict-sensitive journalism in their article "Why conflict-sensitive reporting is essential for press freedom," many of the tenants discussed being applicable to sensitive coverage of vulnerable communities.

5. Creators in this realm must recognize the fragile ground they walk. As journalists, writers, artists, photographers, etc. you have no inherent right to these people, communities, or stories. You are a guest in the space you choose to cover. Therefore, you must be cautious of the implications of your every word, phrase, and image. This kind of considerate allyship is outlined in "The Guide to Allyship." You are not the authority, you are a vehicle through which underrepresented people can be highlighted. The creator's work is important. However, not as important as the accurate depiction of the people and projects they choose to center.