Fair go for fair reporting

This paper reviews recent literature on the relationship between the media, race and racism in Australia. It then establishes the case for a simple, comprehensive and accessible guide to fair and cross-cultural reporting firmly based in best media practise: accuracy, balance, ethical awareness and cultural competence. The argument is also made that to ensure wide use of such a guide by media workers, it is necessary to eschew language and attitudes that may be construed as politically correct. This paper was prepared while the authors were writing and producing The All Media Guide to Fair and Cross-Cultural Reporting (The Guide).