The Press Council guidelines on media reporting on HIV/AIDS, stipulate that:
• Media must inform and educate, not alarm or scare people. The emphasis must be on
the fact that HIV infection can be prevented. The HIV virus, which does not survive
for long outside a body, takes around 10 years to develop into AIDS. It is not spread
by casual contact, hugging or kissing or through food or water or through insects.
• Media must hammer home the point that AIDS through sexual transmission or blood
transfusion can be prevented. Minimum precautions include use of condoms during
sexual intercourse and of sterilising all instruments that pierce the skin, such as needles,and their prompt disposal after use.
• Media must report every case pertaining to AIDS be it positive or negative. There must be constant liaison between the media and the medical profession to report on latest developments and research findings.
• Media must highlight and crusade against such practices as quarantining, isolation and ostracism of AIDS patients. Besides being an affront to human dignity, such practices will not help minimise HIV/AIDS infection, and are injurious to public health as they give a false sense of security to people outside the stigmatised group that the threat of infection has been removed and the need for precaution minimised. Also, such practices will drive the AIDS problem underground and make the campaign against the disease more difficult.
• Community education, supported by behavioural scientists and media experts using the latest techniques of mass education, has to play a crucial role in preventing this dreaded infection. Opinion builders of the society (political and religious leaders, movie and sports personalities, and other famous persons) must take the leadership in educating people about HIV/AIDS and about how to avoid contracting this infection. The innovative use of media and a positive attitude in reporting would go a long way in making the AIDS awareness campaign a success.
• Media must force the authorities to impose rigorous blood-testing norms for prostitutes and ‘professional’ women and issue periodical warnings to the public about areas where there is high incidence of AIDS.
Media must help the authorities in eliminating commercial blood collection and pretesting of all blood donors for HIV and other diseases.
• Media must, as a rule, respect the right to privacy of HIV/AIDS patients and must not subject them to needless exposure and social stigma.
• Every mass medium must observe the terms specified in the final document of the
international consultation on AIDS and human rights and promptly report the violation
of such rights, protecting the basic human rights to life and liberty, privacy and freedom of movement.
http://www.unifem.org.in/PDF/HIV/media_tools.pdf
Showing posts with label HIV Media Reporting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HIV Media Reporting. Show all posts
Guidelines for HIV Media Reporting
Recently, visuals of two HIV-infected children were shown by the print and electronic media. The visuals indicated that even though treatment was available, children infected with HIV were doomed. However, what was more hurting was the inaccurate report that one of them had succumbed. Although TV channels clarified the next day that the child had not died, the harm had been done. Consequently, a positive network petitioned the Juvenile Court saying that such media reports relayed negative messages. Reports like these also impact negatively on other family members who already face stigma and discrimination. Therefore, the positive network sought guidelines for the media that would protect the rights of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The court then approached the Press Council of India (PCI) to respond by formulating appropriate guidelines on the issue.
While certain guidelines on HIV and AIDS reporting were made by the Press Council of India in 1993, much has changed since then. There has been a tremendous change not only in the intensity of the infection and its spread but also in the thinking on how it should be reported. Like diabetes and other chronic ailments, HIV is an infection that can be managed especially with the range of drugs now available. So, the fact that PLHIV are leading positive and meaningful lives needs to be conveyed.
On the same note, HIV is not a ‘scourge’ nor is the language commonly used to describe groups with high-risk behaviour as prostitutes considered appropriate. These terms have been discarded. The role of the media as spelt out by the PCI needs to be changed to incorporate the rapid developments in areas like science, technology and terminology. While it can be difficult to change overnight writing styles and vocabulary that portray a doomsday scenario with regards to HIV, the PCI guidelines can provide a framework enabling effective media reporting and factual portrayal of PLHIV.
Framing the Story• When reporting around women from marginalised groups (e.g., sex workers, drug users)
frame the story in a manner that it builds the self-esteem of the woman so that it
empowers her to stand for her rights.
• As far as possible, avoid any immediate linkage of HIV/AIDS with any negative
association such as crime/ perversion as it only reinforces the prejudice that HIV affects
the immoral and sexually perverted.
• Confidentiality of women must be protected in all situations. An expression of consent
cannot be taken at face value. Mediapersons, presumably aware of the consequences,
should rather err on the side of caution and sensitively judge for themselves the social
consequences – for both the interviewee and the community – of such disclosure.
• An interviewer must not probe route of infection as this creates another level of
discrimination among people living with HIV/AIDS. The important thing is not how
one got it but how one is living with it.
Appropriate Terminology• Words with negative associations, unnecessary drama, sympathy, must not be used to
describe HIV/AIDS.
• Use of the word ‘victim’ for a person living with HIV/AIDS is not acceptable as it evokes
sympathy and paints a picture of helplessness. ‘Positive person’ or ‘Person living with
HIV/AIDS’ is acceptable.
• ‘Full-blown AIDS’ is factually incorrect.
• As far as possible media stories must project people living with HIV/AIDS as people
leading ‘normal’ lives as part of mainstream society. This will also help break the myth
that only certain groups are vulnerable.
• The reporter must ensure sensitivity in headlines, blurbs, captions, and visuals.
Visual Representation of People Living with HIV/
AIDS (Photographs and Electronic Media)
• Dignity of subject cannot be compromised at any cost.
• Stories must not paint a picture of hopelessness and helplessness of positive people –
no matter how horrific the situation, the story must present a balanced viewpoint.
• Consent of the individual is even more important in the visual medium.
Suggested Guidelines to Activists for Building
Partnerships with Media• Give the journalist concise, relevant information packaged in a user-friendly way keeping
in mind media’s constraints on time.
• Well-packaged information helps correct information to go out.
• Always give media emergency contact details in case the journalist needs to counter check
a fact after regular office hours.
• Follow-up on misinformation in the media through letter to the editor. Respond to
articles in the press.
• NGO spokespersons must be careful to not reinforce public association of HIV/AIDS
with extra-marital sex, multiple sexual partners and death.
Referances:
http://www.unifem.org.in/PDF/HIV/media_tools.pdf
Solution Exchange:AIDS Community discussion
While certain guidelines on HIV and AIDS reporting were made by the Press Council of India in 1993, much has changed since then. There has been a tremendous change not only in the intensity of the infection and its spread but also in the thinking on how it should be reported. Like diabetes and other chronic ailments, HIV is an infection that can be managed especially with the range of drugs now available. So, the fact that PLHIV are leading positive and meaningful lives needs to be conveyed.
On the same note, HIV is not a ‘scourge’ nor is the language commonly used to describe groups with high-risk behaviour as prostitutes considered appropriate. These terms have been discarded. The role of the media as spelt out by the PCI needs to be changed to incorporate the rapid developments in areas like science, technology and terminology. While it can be difficult to change overnight writing styles and vocabulary that portray a doomsday scenario with regards to HIV, the PCI guidelines can provide a framework enabling effective media reporting and factual portrayal of PLHIV.
Framing the Story• When reporting around women from marginalised groups (e.g., sex workers, drug users)
frame the story in a manner that it builds the self-esteem of the woman so that it
empowers her to stand for her rights.
• As far as possible, avoid any immediate linkage of HIV/AIDS with any negative
association such as crime/ perversion as it only reinforces the prejudice that HIV affects
the immoral and sexually perverted.
• Confidentiality of women must be protected in all situations. An expression of consent
cannot be taken at face value. Mediapersons, presumably aware of the consequences,
should rather err on the side of caution and sensitively judge for themselves the social
consequences – for both the interviewee and the community – of such disclosure.
• An interviewer must not probe route of infection as this creates another level of
discrimination among people living with HIV/AIDS. The important thing is not how
one got it but how one is living with it.
Appropriate Terminology• Words with negative associations, unnecessary drama, sympathy, must not be used to
describe HIV/AIDS.
• Use of the word ‘victim’ for a person living with HIV/AIDS is not acceptable as it evokes
sympathy and paints a picture of helplessness. ‘Positive person’ or ‘Person living with
HIV/AIDS’ is acceptable.
• ‘Full-blown AIDS’ is factually incorrect.
• As far as possible media stories must project people living with HIV/AIDS as people
leading ‘normal’ lives as part of mainstream society. This will also help break the myth
that only certain groups are vulnerable.
• The reporter must ensure sensitivity in headlines, blurbs, captions, and visuals.
Visual Representation of People Living with HIV/
AIDS (Photographs and Electronic Media)
• Dignity of subject cannot be compromised at any cost.
• Stories must not paint a picture of hopelessness and helplessness of positive people –
no matter how horrific the situation, the story must present a balanced viewpoint.
• Consent of the individual is even more important in the visual medium.
Suggested Guidelines to Activists for Building
Partnerships with Media• Give the journalist concise, relevant information packaged in a user-friendly way keeping
in mind media’s constraints on time.
• Well-packaged information helps correct information to go out.
• Always give media emergency contact details in case the journalist needs to counter check
a fact after regular office hours.
• Follow-up on misinformation in the media through letter to the editor. Respond to
articles in the press.
• NGO spokespersons must be careful to not reinforce public association of HIV/AIDS
with extra-marital sex, multiple sexual partners and death.
Referances:
http://www.unifem.org.in/PDF/HIV/media_tools.pdf
Solution Exchange:AIDS Community discussion
A Content Analysis of the Coverage of HIV and AIDS in the Print Media of Gujarat
Background
The geographical, cultural, and socio-economic characteristics of Gujarat render it highly vulnerable to HIV. Sentinel surveillance and other statistics emphasize the need for strengthening HIV response in the state. However, Denial, Stigma, and Discrimination (DSD) are major obstacles in implementing such programmes.
The AIDS Community of Solution Exchange has earlier streamlined advocacy on DSD through discussions in the Community. Eventually it formed the first national advocacy group on DSD called “AAROHI.” At the visioning workshop of the Community, Dr. Rajesh Gopal from Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) proposed a similar action group specifically for Gujarat. Based on recommendations from the brainstorming session at this workshop, GSACS and Solution Exchange AIDS Community agreed upon to have a joint Action Group. An e-discussion followed on Solution Exchange to explore the modus operandi of the Action Group.
Research Findings-
General Trends
Like any other development issue, coverage on HIV is increasing steadily over the years. 80 of the 210 articles covered issues of PLHIV. While professional journalists were authors in 93% of such articles, NGOs like GSNP+ authored the rest. Our analysis found an overall negative tone in 3% of the articles. Such articles gave an impression of lost hope and portrayed HIV with death.
Blaming a Group for the spread of HIV
2.4% of the articles directly blamed particular groups for the spread of HIV. Further analyses of the data revealed that sex workers bore the brunt as 60% of the articles held them responsible for the spread of HIV. We also found that such articles used language contributing to DSD like ‘them’ and ‘immoral behaviour’.
Confidentiality
The study found that 7% of articles had declared the identity of PLHIV without consent. Our interaction with members of positive networks revealed that journalists falsely claim that they have obtained consent for disclosing identity. This poses a major challenge in an effective media strategy. Media personnel need to treat every person interviewed with dignity. They also need to obtain proper informed consent before publishing articles with names or photographs of PLHIV.
Derogatory language
4% of the articles in the study used derogatory terms. They include terms like ‘victim’, which often imply passiveness and helplessness, and ‘prostitute’, which has a negative connotation. Use of such terms will further stigmatise HIV.
Discriminatory Language
The study found that 2% of the articles used language directly implying discrimination. Use of such language reinforces stereotypes. Statements like “Huge migrant population in Surat is suspected to be responsible for high vulnerability” and “Migrant workers are known to contract HIV from prostitutes and then pass it on to their wives when they return home” are few examples.
This causes stigmatisation and discrimination of certain key populations. Moreover, such reports have also led to the belief that those who do not belong to these vulnerable groups are safe from HIV. These are instances where the media has failed to observe the much-needed sensitivity while reporting on HIV.
Misinformation
Our study found misinformation in less than 3% of the total articles scanned. Some of the common factual errors were relating to statistics. Often such reports appeared to be quoting reliable agencies without verifying with the sources. Other types of misinformation related to designation of officials and inappropriate terminologies.
Inappropriate terminologies can give rise to wrong ideas in people’s minds. Reporters need to pay careful attention to what they report as a single wrong message can wreck the efforts of all concerned. Hence, they need to ascertain data before publishing.
Use of Complex terminology
Of all the articles, 2% had terminology difficult to understand. In such situations, even if the writer intends to convey the best information, she/he cannot achieve the desired effect. Medical jargon, complex scientific concepts, and unexplained acronyms stand this risk. Media professionals need to be aware of the educational background of its majority readers. Hence, writers need to keep the language used in reporting on HIV simple.
Use of Photographs
23% of articles contained photographs. Out of these 49 articles, 33% maintained confidentiality of the respondent. 53% published it with consent, while 14% of articles published them without consent. Further analysis of these 49 articles revealed that 45% of them had positive gestures like celebrities,sport personalities, and film artists shaking hands and hugging positive persons, or carrying positive children with pleasure.
Use of photographs in articles does have benefits. However, they raise many ethical issues. Hence, the use of photographs needs to be judicious and selective. Journalists need to ensure that they get informed consent to use such photographs. In many cases, they also need to be careful in revealing the identity of the photographed.
Journalists must be aware of the possible consequences for individuals who reveal themselves in such articles, as stigma attached to HIV is still huge in society. Sometimes a person may not fully understand the implications of such media appearances.
Contact Details for further information
The study found that only 10% of the articles carried details for finding further information on the subject. Rest of them did not have contact details of the author or sources to seek further information. We recommend journalists to provide such details so that people can find further information on the topic.
Positive Gestures
Of the articles studied, 26% of them contained reports of positive gestures. Some of the examples include:
• Adoption of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
• Community initiatives in HIV.
• Political leaders celebrating festivals with PLHIV.
• Sports Personnel shaking hands with PLHIV and OVC.
• Doctors spreading positive messages.
• PLHIV talking about positive living.
• Positive women tying Rakhi on local businesspersons.
Prevention messages
We found that only five percent of the 210 articles scanned contained prevention messages in them. Generally, the depth of coverage was superficial. Hence, most of the articles limited themselves to ribbon cutting ceremonies, highlighting activities of NGOs or GSACS, and providing statistics of those infected in the state. Important elements like awareness, education, and advocacy on prevention were lacking in most of the articles. Studies have proved the role of media in behaviour change communication. It helps readers to take informed decisions to protect themselves. The Sate’s prevention and treatment efforts would not be effective if no one knows about them.
Concluding Remarks
The reach and influence of media on society is very high. Hence, it can certainly play an important role in our response to HIV. This study establishes that the media’s contribution in generating and disseminating information has increased over the years in terms of quantity and quality. With their active participation through organisations like GSNP+, PLHIV have found ways to assimilate their concerns into media. The support of governmental bodies like GSACS and NGOs has helped it further.
Nevertheless, the findings of the content analysis in this study calls for proactively developing a media strategy in addressing the third epidemic. A single misleading report could tarnish PLHIV and the commendable work done by GSACS and other agencies. Hence, it becomes even more crucial that journalists exercise the power of their pens with care and compassion. They ought to uphold ethical principles in doing so.
The geographical, cultural, and socio-economic characteristics of Gujarat render it highly vulnerable to HIV. Sentinel surveillance and other statistics emphasize the need for strengthening HIV response in the state. However, Denial, Stigma, and Discrimination (DSD) are major obstacles in implementing such programmes.
The AIDS Community of Solution Exchange has earlier streamlined advocacy on DSD through discussions in the Community. Eventually it formed the first national advocacy group on DSD called “AAROHI.” At the visioning workshop of the Community, Dr. Rajesh Gopal from Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) proposed a similar action group specifically for Gujarat. Based on recommendations from the brainstorming session at this workshop, GSACS and Solution Exchange AIDS Community agreed upon to have a joint Action Group. An e-discussion followed on Solution Exchange to explore the modus operandi of the Action Group.
Research Findings-
General Trends
Like any other development issue, coverage on HIV is increasing steadily over the years. 80 of the 210 articles covered issues of PLHIV. While professional journalists were authors in 93% of such articles, NGOs like GSNP+ authored the rest. Our analysis found an overall negative tone in 3% of the articles. Such articles gave an impression of lost hope and portrayed HIV with death.
Blaming a Group for the spread of HIV
2.4% of the articles directly blamed particular groups for the spread of HIV. Further analyses of the data revealed that sex workers bore the brunt as 60% of the articles held them responsible for the spread of HIV. We also found that such articles used language contributing to DSD like ‘them’ and ‘immoral behaviour’.
Confidentiality
The study found that 7% of articles had declared the identity of PLHIV without consent. Our interaction with members of positive networks revealed that journalists falsely claim that they have obtained consent for disclosing identity. This poses a major challenge in an effective media strategy. Media personnel need to treat every person interviewed with dignity. They also need to obtain proper informed consent before publishing articles with names or photographs of PLHIV.
Derogatory language
4% of the articles in the study used derogatory terms. They include terms like ‘victim’, which often imply passiveness and helplessness, and ‘prostitute’, which has a negative connotation. Use of such terms will further stigmatise HIV.
Discriminatory Language
The study found that 2% of the articles used language directly implying discrimination. Use of such language reinforces stereotypes. Statements like “Huge migrant population in Surat is suspected to be responsible for high vulnerability” and “Migrant workers are known to contract HIV from prostitutes and then pass it on to their wives when they return home” are few examples.
This causes stigmatisation and discrimination of certain key populations. Moreover, such reports have also led to the belief that those who do not belong to these vulnerable groups are safe from HIV. These are instances where the media has failed to observe the much-needed sensitivity while reporting on HIV.
Misinformation
Our study found misinformation in less than 3% of the total articles scanned. Some of the common factual errors were relating to statistics. Often such reports appeared to be quoting reliable agencies without verifying with the sources. Other types of misinformation related to designation of officials and inappropriate terminologies.
Inappropriate terminologies can give rise to wrong ideas in people’s minds. Reporters need to pay careful attention to what they report as a single wrong message can wreck the efforts of all concerned. Hence, they need to ascertain data before publishing.
Use of Complex terminology
Of all the articles, 2% had terminology difficult to understand. In such situations, even if the writer intends to convey the best information, she/he cannot achieve the desired effect. Medical jargon, complex scientific concepts, and unexplained acronyms stand this risk. Media professionals need to be aware of the educational background of its majority readers. Hence, writers need to keep the language used in reporting on HIV simple.
Use of Photographs
23% of articles contained photographs. Out of these 49 articles, 33% maintained confidentiality of the respondent. 53% published it with consent, while 14% of articles published them without consent. Further analysis of these 49 articles revealed that 45% of them had positive gestures like celebrities,sport personalities, and film artists shaking hands and hugging positive persons, or carrying positive children with pleasure.
Use of photographs in articles does have benefits. However, they raise many ethical issues. Hence, the use of photographs needs to be judicious and selective. Journalists need to ensure that they get informed consent to use such photographs. In many cases, they also need to be careful in revealing the identity of the photographed.
Journalists must be aware of the possible consequences for individuals who reveal themselves in such articles, as stigma attached to HIV is still huge in society. Sometimes a person may not fully understand the implications of such media appearances.
Contact Details for further information
The study found that only 10% of the articles carried details for finding further information on the subject. Rest of them did not have contact details of the author or sources to seek further information. We recommend journalists to provide such details so that people can find further information on the topic.
Positive Gestures
Of the articles studied, 26% of them contained reports of positive gestures. Some of the examples include:
• Adoption of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
• Community initiatives in HIV.
• Political leaders celebrating festivals with PLHIV.
• Sports Personnel shaking hands with PLHIV and OVC.
• Doctors spreading positive messages.
• PLHIV talking about positive living.
• Positive women tying Rakhi on local businesspersons.
Prevention messages
We found that only five percent of the 210 articles scanned contained prevention messages in them. Generally, the depth of coverage was superficial. Hence, most of the articles limited themselves to ribbon cutting ceremonies, highlighting activities of NGOs or GSACS, and providing statistics of those infected in the state. Important elements like awareness, education, and advocacy on prevention were lacking in most of the articles. Studies have proved the role of media in behaviour change communication. It helps readers to take informed decisions to protect themselves. The Sate’s prevention and treatment efforts would not be effective if no one knows about them.
Concluding Remarks
The reach and influence of media on society is very high. Hence, it can certainly play an important role in our response to HIV. This study establishes that the media’s contribution in generating and disseminating information has increased over the years in terms of quantity and quality. With their active participation through organisations like GSNP+, PLHIV have found ways to assimilate their concerns into media. The support of governmental bodies like GSACS and NGOs has helped it further.
Nevertheless, the findings of the content analysis in this study calls for proactively developing a media strategy in addressing the third epidemic. A single misleading report could tarnish PLHIV and the commendable work done by GSACS and other agencies. Hence, it becomes even more crucial that journalists exercise the power of their pens with care and compassion. They ought to uphold ethical principles in doing so.
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