Language barriers and historical marginalization can lead to the distrust of government, public health systems, and, ultimately, news sources among communities where English is a second language. Journalists play a role in combating the spread of mis- and disinformation in these communities through rigorous fact-checking, media literacy efforts, and targeted outreach.
Here are five strategies, compiled from the National Press Club Journalism Institute’s recent webinar series on ethics in the age of disinformation:
- Understand the language needs of your audience. Everyone is vulnerable to mis- and disinformation, but language barriers help create conditions for bad information to thrive. For example, Christine Fernando, panelist and democracy reporter for The Associated Press, discussed how audio-based misinformation can be re-recorded in different Spanish accents to feel more authentic. Bottom line: Don’t assume your audience speaks fluent English and make sure you have bilingual reporters and editors in your newsroom.
- Publish bilingual coverage to help reach all members of the communities you serve. One source: Tamoa Calzadilla, editor in chief of Factchequeado, created a bilingual guide for journalists covering Latino and Spanish-speaking communities to combat mis- and disinformation in Spanish-speaking communities. Try this: Consider publishing issue-specific guides in multiple languages and include non-English speakers in your media literacy plan. (To learn more about Factchequeado, watch “Disinformation & The Public: How journalists can champion news literacy and empower their communities.”)
- Identify gaps in information and narratives affecting disenfranchised voices in your community. Consistently attempt to understand the cultural experiences and backgrounds of your audience through reporting from within, not just on, communities..
- Find out where your audience shares and receives information. For example, Calzadilla said that Latino communities often communicate through WhatsApp and Telegram, which can create a higher risk of receiving mis- or disinformation from unknowing family and friends through these channels. Use these platforms to both listen to what your audience is saying but also share verified information.
- Lean on trusted messengers to help share fact-based stories and information. Trusted messengers like librarians are often on the front lines of the fight against disinformation, said panelist Henry Hicks, manager, U.S. Free Expressions Programs for PEN America. They can dispel rumors and false narratives and prompt that person to consider why they were vulnerable to manipulation in the first place. Journalists can learn from and partner with these trusted messengers to deepen their relationships with communities.
Watch the webinars, Disinformation & The Public: How journalists can champion news literacy and empower their communities, and Disinformation, Elections & Democracy: How journalists can spot and disarm current tactics to influence voters.