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Reporting Issues

[Reporting Indigenous Issues ] [ Consultation with Indigenous Australians ] [ Useful Resources ]

Reporting for Indigenous Australians

Reporting on suicide, mental illness and mental health are often challenging tasks for journalists. It is important to remember that any coverage of suicide or other mental health issues involving Indigenous Australians should consider both principles for sensitive reporting of suicide and mental illness as outlined in this resource, and protocols for reporting Indigenous issues in the media more broadly.

The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody proposed: the development of codes of practice and policies relating to the presentation of Indigenous issues; the establishment of monitoring bodies; and putting into place training and employment programs for Indigenous people.

Although there are no specific codes and protocols on the reporting of suicide and mental illness in Indigenous communities, media organisations have developed codes of practice that relate to the coverage of Indigenous issues. Journalists should refer to their relevant codes and guidelines for further information. In addition, there is a list of useful resources outlined below.

Many of the principles discussed in codes of practices and other guidelines also translate to the reporting of suicide, mental illness and social and emotional wellbeing for Indigenous Australians. In particular, it is important to remember:

  • Program makers [and journalists] should always be aware of and challenge their own prejudices, stereotyped beliefs and perceptions about Indigenous people1.
  • There is no one kind of Aboriginal person or community. Indigenous communities throughout Australia have their own distinct history, politics, culture and linguistic experience. As such, no single person can speak for all Indigenous Australians2.
  • Programs [and stories] should be done in consultation with Indigenous people, being particularly sensitive to the experience of those who are subjects of the program or story3.
  • In many Indigenous Australian communities, the depiction or mention of a person who has passed away can cause great distress to people, as can showing their image through visual media. Even using the same name as the deceased person, or a similar sound, can cause distress for a period of time4.
  • A story about a social [or health] problem can be improved by canvassing members of the appropriate Indigenous community on their perceptions, rather than solely seeking the opinions of outside experts5.

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Consultation with Indigenous Australians

Although there is a growing body of literature about the potential impact of reporting suicide and mental illness broadly, little is known about the specific impact on Indigenous Australians. As such, a consultation was conducted as part of the Mindframe Media and Mental Health Project to investigate the types of media messages that may cause harm or alternatively may improve knowledge about and attitudes towards mental health issues for Indigenous Australians.

The information gathered from this small consultation with Indigenous Australians is the first of its kind. It is hoped that the information will better inform strategies undertaken by the Mindframe Media and Mental Health Project and may also have relevance to other work being carried out with the media and with Indigenous Australians.

The report summarises the issues and themes raised in discussions with Indigenous Australians. As outlined in the final section of the report, a summary of the key findings include the following:

  • Indigenous Australians are influenced by both mainstream and Indigenous media and are regular consumers of both. Accessibility and the inclusion of local and relevant content influence their choice of media.
  • Indigenous mental health issues are rarely covered by either mainstream or Indigenous media. When mental health issues are covered, they rarely include an Indigenous component or perspective.
  • Indigenous Australians believe that constant negative portrayals of Indigenous mental health issues in the media can have an effect on how the mainstream public views Indigenous people and how Indigenous Australians view themselves.
  • Negative reporting about mental health services and health departments was considered to be one reason why Indigenous people may not access available services.
  • Indigenous Australians are affected by reports of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people experiencing mental illness or who have died by suicide. The effect of this reporting is increased if they identify with the person or they are known to them.
  • There are many complexities in reporting suicide and mental illness in Indigenous communities. There appears to be a lack of balance between negative and positive stories, and this can have an effect on Indigenous Australians.
  • The reporting of suicide should be handled sensitively. Identification with the person and method in the story is seen as a risk factor for copy-cat suicide, particularly among young Indigenous males and boys.
  • Suggestions about where the media could direct people in need of assistance was recognised as problematic. Local community resources would be most relevant, however these may not provide the level of confidentiality needed for individuals experiencing difficulties.
  • There is a need for greater cultural sensitivity concerning the content of media reports and how they are reported. In particular, reporting of suicide should respect both the community’s right to grieve, and cultural protocols about not naming or showing footage of a deceased person.
  • It is desirable to have positive and helpful stories about mental illness and suicide; however, careful consideration is required about how this is done. In particular, more information on mental health promotion and prevention of suicide would be beneficial with an emphasis on warning signs, risk factors and where people can go to access culturally appropriate assistance.
  • Journalists wishing to report on Indigenous suicide or mental illness should be Indigenous themselves or at least be educated about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural issues.
  • An important consideration for reporting issues within Indigenous communities is to take the time to build rapport with members of the community and be willing to collaborate with them on stories.
  • It is important to increase the profile of Indigenous perspectives and experiences in the mainstream media, including issues related to suicide and mental illness.
  • The diversity of Indigenous communities is often lost or ignored in reporting, with generalisations made across communities and comments sought about all Indigenous people.

Download a summary of the report here [PDF ~133 Kb].

Download a full copy of the report News Media and Indigenous Australian Communities here [PDF ~273 Kb]

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Useful Resources

Provided here is a selection of online resources that may assist journalists with understanding issues involved in reporting on Indigenous topics in the media.

The Greater Perspective: Protocol and Guidelines for the Production of Film and Television on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities (SBS)

The Greater Perspective was researched and compiled by Lester Bostock for the Special Broadcasting Service. The guidelines are designed for day-to-day use by program makers. They provide: a basic background; some of the protocols required when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; some of the concerns about the media by Aboriginal groups; and checklists on various aspects of working on productions with, and about, Indigenous people.

The Greater Perspective (SBS)

Cultural Protocols for Indigenous Reporting in the Media (Message Stick, ABC Online)

Message Stick produced an Indigenous Protocol site hoping to assist journalists, filmmakers, producers and documentary makers to understand the importance of abiding by Indigenous Protocols. The document was written as a guide to help bridge the gap between the needs of television and film makers and the Indigenous people and their customs.

www.abc.net.au/message/proper/culturalprotocol.pdf

All-media Guide to Fair and Cross-cultural Reporting (Griffith University & University of Newcastle)

This online media guide was developed jointly by Griffith University and the University of Newcastle. It is a basic handbook on cross-cultural media work in Australia, covering Indigenous Australia and ethnic communities. The guide is a useful day-to-day tool for dealing with the practicalities of media work among the diverse communities and people of Australia.

All-media Guide to Fair and Cross-cultural reporting

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

This site provides information about Indigenous health from research, policy and available statistics. The site covers a range of issues of relevance to Indigenous health and has a section devoted to mental health (accessed from health >> mental health). Information on mental health includes a summary of key issues and access to recent research, reports, case studies and other resources.

www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/

Indigenous Almanac (CBOnline)

The Indigenous Almanac, as part of CBOnline, provides a wealth of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and historical events. Information is provided on early contact, inquiries, reports and findings; people, education and employment; health and housing; media; and many more. The Information is held by the National Indigenous Radio Service on behalf of the Indigenous Broadcasting sector.

www.cbonline.org.au/

The Indigenous Portal

This site provides online access to Indigenous services and information located on government internet sites. The Indigenous Portal has been developed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (ATSIS). The site includes information on Indigenous health, mental health and suicide under the heath link and also includes information on justice and law, services, programs and Indigenous broadcasters.

http://www.indigenous.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx

LIFE: National suicide prevention clearinghouse - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Gateway

www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/atsi/index1.php

Queensland Forensic Mental Health website - Information for Indigenous Communities

Queensland Health provide a website of information for Indigenous people.  The resources aim to increase awareness amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about the Queensland forensic mental health system.

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/forensicmentalhealth/indigenous/default.asp 

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References

1 Bostock, L. (1997). The Greater Perspective: Protocol and guidelines for the production of film and television on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Crows Nest, NSW: Special Broadcasting Services (SBS). 
2 Stockwell, S. & Scott, P. (2000). All-Media Guide to Fair and Cross-Cultural Reporting. Retrieved September 19, 2007 from http://www.gu.edu.au/school/art/AMMSite/home.html
3 Bostock, L. (1997). op cit 
4 Stockwell, S. & Scott, P. (2000). op cit 
5 Stockwell, S. & Scott, P. (2000). op cit