Media coverage of protests is typically driven by the old journalism adage, “If it bleeds, it leads.” But that approach delegitimizes protesters and undermines their ability to alter existing power structures. The media needs to shift its focus from confrontation and chaos to a broader view of the movement’s goals and impact.
This is particularly important when protests are occurring on college campuses, where young people have the most significant stake in changing society’s systems and values. Students’ concerns about injustices, demands for reforms and desire to engage in civil disobedience are often missing from the headlines — but they are essential elements of a movement to improve racial, socioeconomic and environmental conditions.
Moreover, the news media’s tendency to gravitate toward and directly quote sources that have status and authority (like politicians, police and university officials) is likely a contributing factor in skewing their coverage. When those sources equate protesters with criminals, terrorists and racists, it is likely to get the most attention.
Finally, studies have found that the use of words evoking fear and anger in news coverage is disproportionately greater for non-White protesters than White ones. This may be because conservative outlets employ negative sentiments of all protesters, whereas liberal grievances are unlikely to appeal to their audiences. Despite these challenges, NPR and local stations that cover protests can still serve their communities by providing important information to citizens, especially when those stories are well-sourced, fair and accurate.