Guidelines on reporting HIVHIV and the Media
A major concern for people living with HIV in the UK and the organisations that support them is the number of articles in the media that sensationalise and stigmatise HIV and unfairly represent individuals living with the virus. Inaccurate or stigmatising media coverage increases misconceptions about HIV and can fuel discrimination against HIV-positive people.
Guidelines on Reporting HIV
The National AIDS Trust and the National Union of Journalists have jointly produced Guidelines on Reporting HIV to help journalists make sure that the articles that they write are not misleading and do not encourage negative perceptions about HIV. This practical guide gives people working in the media up-to-date information on HIV and sources of further information to help ensure that their reporting is accurate and non-stigmatising. Download a copy here.
Press Gang
Press Gang is an online group of people living with HIV who are interested in challenging stigmatising coverage in the media and making their voices heard. The National AIDS Trust keeps 'Press Gang' members informed of any stigmatising or inaccurate coverage and gives them advice on how to challenge it.
The National AIDS Trust scans many newspapers online and checks other media for mentions of HIV and AIDS on a daily basis, and any articles that are identified as stigmatising or inaccurate are sent to 'Press Gang' members via email as a 'stigma alert'. Members are then encouraged to write a letter to the editor or add a comment online pointing out why this article is stigmatising or inaccurate and informing readers about the realities of living with HIV in the UK.
Anyone living with HIV who is interested in challenging stigma in the media can join 'Press Gang'; to sign up email press@nat.org.uk or call 020 7814 6730.
What's in the news?
The National AIDS Trust scans the media in the UK and worldwide daily for stories relating to HIV and produces a summary of the main stories of the week, with online links to the original article. Read the latest news round-up here.
