NCJ Number
161799
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the papers and discussions of a conference attended by 30 journalists from across the Nation who cover children's and family issues, so as to discuss matters that affect children and how the media can improve their coverage of what is happening to children in America today.
Abstract
A number of speakers advised that the coverage of events that involve children is often too simple and narrow. What is needed are complex stories that educate the public about the roots of the crises facing children. This involves research that goes beyond simply reporting the facts of a single tragic incident that has happened to a child. Conferees, however, note the difficulty of obtaining the time, financial support, and "story play" needed to provide indepth coverage of children and family issues. Further, research is hindered by confidentiality claims of public agencies responsible for dealing with children's problems. One speaker urged reporters to focus on real evidence of family trends rather than only reporting on the drama of political debates that often misrepresent the issues. Other issues discussed were the need to write positive stories about what is happening in the world of America's children, strategies for developing specialized coverage of children's issues by a news organization, and an increase in the number and quality of solution-oriented stories.