Table of content

Content pages

Introduction and definition of advocacy journalism __________________________________________2

The role of advocacy journalism ________________________________________________________3

Guidelines for advocacy journalism _____________________________________________________4

Ways of using the media for advocacy ___________________________________________________6

What advocacy journalism do for the society ______________________________________________7

Reference ________________________________________________________________________10

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Introduction and definition of advocacy journalism

There is no fixed definition of ‘advocacy journalism’. The term appears in a breadth of

scholarship and is applied in a wide range of contexts. At its core, advocacy is about pleading
another’s cause or arguing in support of an idea, event or a person. The Oxford English
Dictionary defines it as ‘verbal support or argument for a cause, policy, etc. The function of an
advocate’. However, a review of related literature shows that support or argument in favor of a
cause or policy through a work of journalism can occur in a number of ways and for different
reasons.

Advocacy journalism refers to a type of journalism that involves reporters or news

organizations taking a specific stance on an issue or cause and actively promoting it through
their reporting. Unlike traditional objective journalism, which strives to present information in a
neutral and unbiased manner, advocacy journalism openly supports a particular perspective or
agenda. It often seeks to influence public opinion, generate awareness, and bring about social
or political change. Advocacy journalists may use various techniques such as investigative
reporting, opinion pieces, and storytelling to advance their cause.

Advocacy journalism aims to bring attention to social injustices, highlight marginalized

perspectives, promote social change, or push for reforms in a particular area. It often focuses
on issues such as human rights, environmental activism, political advocacy, equality, or social
justice. Advocacy journalists typically express their opinions, beliefs, and ideologies explicitly
within their reporting, through content selection, or by using persuasive storytelling techniques.

Advocacy journalism tends to persuade, through fact-telling. It rejects the notion of objectivity,
instead, exposing bias to the reader and expressing explicit opinions on the subject matter. The
general goal is to present facts in such a compelling, well researched manner that even a
skeptical reader or one who does not share the writer’s opinions will be swayed to some
degree, or at least better informed about the issue at hand. Advocacy journalism is a journalistic
genre that, as the name suggests, is aimed at advocating on behalf of particular causes,
organizations, and/or viewpoints. As such, it does not adhere to the conventional journalistic

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distinction between news and views, arguing, instead, that it is neither possible nor desirable to
maintain such a distinction. This distinction is not possible to maintain, scholars of advocacy
journalism argue, because every time journalists choose to focus attention on certain topics,
from certain perspectives, using certain sources of information, they are explicitly or implicitly
favoring certain topics, perspectives, and sources of information over other potentially equally
legitimate ones. Similarly, this distinction is not possible to maintain because, in practice, media
owners and advertisers often exert a strong, if unacknowledged, influence on what is reported
and how. This impossibility of separating news from views does not imply that an objective
reality does not exist. It simply means that, as a matter of practice, journalists are unable to
report on reality in a value-free manner. Indeed, by reporting on what appears to be the
common consensus on given topics or events, journalists are in fact reporting on majority views
which imply, in turn, that minority voices and perspectives are marginalized.

The role of advocacy journalism

Advocacy journalism plays a significant role in society by bringing attention to important issues,
amplifying marginalized voices, and holding power structures accountable. Here are some key
aspects of the role of advocacy journalism:

1. Raising Awareness: Advocacy journalism aims to raise awareness about social, political,
economic, and environmental issues that may otherwise receive limited attention in
mainstream media. It sheds light on underreported stories and challenges the status quo by
bringing marginalized perspectives to the forefront. Example: Advocacy journalists reporting on
the effects of climate change, bringing attention to pressing environmental concerns, such as
rising sea levels, melting ice caps, or extreme weather events.

2. Giving Voice to the Voiceless: Advocacy journalism often focuses on giving voice to
individuals or communities who are traditionally underrepresented or excluded from
mainstream media narratives. It provides a platform for marginalized groups to share their
experiences, challenges, and perspectives, fostering greater inclusivity and representation.
Example: Advocacy journalists focusing on immigration issues, sharing personal stories of

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undocumented immigrants, highlighting their challenges, and exploring the human impact of
restrictive immigration policies.

3. Promoting Social Change: Advocacy journalism seeks to drive social change by actively trying
to influence public opinion and policy outcomes. It goes beyond simply reporting facts and
engages in a critical analysis of societal issues, highlighting injustices and advocating for
solutions or reforms.

4. Holding Power Structures Accountable: Advocacy journalism plays a crucial role in holding
individuals, institutions, and governments accountable for their actions or inaction. It
investigates corruption, abuse of power, human rights violations, and other misconduct, often
acting as a watchdog for the public interest. Example: Advocacy journalists investigating
corporate malpractice or unethical behavior, uncovering instances of environmental pollution,
worker exploitation, or unsafe products.

5. Inspiring Public Engagement: Advocacy journalism aims to inspire public engagement and
action by informing readers about issues that require collective attention. It encourages readers
to take part in civic discourse, community organizing, and activism, empowering individuals to
contribute to positive societal change. Example: Advocacy journalists reporting on police
brutality and racial injustice, shedding light on systemic inequalities and cases of misconduct.
Through their reporting, they aim to stimulate public awareness and support for police reform,
racial justice, and equality.

6. Ethical Considerations: While advocacy journalism is driven by a mission to advocate for

certain causes or values, ethical considerations play an important role. Transparency, fairness,
accuracy, and accountability to the audience are essential principles that advocacy journalists
must adhere to. Balancing the pursuit of a cause with responsible journalism is key to
maintaining credibility and trust.

Advocacy journalism often fulfills a crucial role in complementing traditional news reporting. It
serves as a counterbalance to the mainstream narrative, giving a voice to those who are
marginalized or underrepresented. However, it is important for readers to critically evaluate

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different perspectives and engage with a variety of sources to gain a more comprehensive
understanding of complex issues.

Remember that the opinions and biases of advocacy journalists can influence the framing and
selection of stories, so it's important to consider multiple viewpoints when forming your own
opinions.

Guidelines for advocacy journalism

Advocacy journalism operates within a specific framework that combines the principles of
journalism with a focus on advocating for social change or specific causes. Here are some
guidelines to consider when practicing advocacy journalism:

1. Transparency: Be transparent about your values, biases, and affiliations. Clearly disclose any
conflicts of interest that may influence your reporting. Transparency builds trust with your
audience and allows them to understand your perspective.

2. Research and Verification: Conduct thorough research and fact-checking to ensure the
accuracy of the information you gather and share. Verify your sources and provide evidence to
support your claims. Aim to present a well-rounded and evidence-based argument.

3. Editorial Independence: While advocating for a cause, maintain editorial independence by

avoiding undue influence from external parties. Ensure that your reporting is guided by the
pursuit of truth and public interest rather than personal or organizational interests.

4. Diverse Perspectives: Seek out and incorporate diverse perspectives and voices in your
reporting. Give a platform to individuals and communities who are directly impacted by the
issues you are covering. This fosters inclusivity and avoids the risk of presenting a one-sided
narrative.

5. Context and Analysis: Provide context and analysis to help readers understand the
complexities and nuances of the issues at hand. Explain the broader societal, political, and
historical factors that contribute to the problem. This enables readers to form informed
opinions and engage critically with the subject matter.

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6. Solutions-Oriented Reporting: Prioritize reporting on potential solutions, innovations, and
positive examples related to the issues you cover. Highlight the work of individuals,
organizations, or initiatives that are striving to create positive change. Solutions-oriented
reporting can inspire and engage readers.

7. Ethical Considerations: Adhere to ethical principles such as minimizing harm, respecting

privacy, and obtaining informed consent. Treat sources and subjects with fairness, respect, and
empathy. Be aware of the potential impact your reporting may have on individuals and choose
your words and framing responsibly.

Remember, advocacy journalism should be rooted in the mission of seeking truth, promoting
social justice, and lifting marginalized voices. Balancing advocating for a cause while upholding
journalistic standards ensures that you’re reporting maintains credibility and credibility aids in
influencing positive change.

Ways of using the media for advocacy

As with any form of journalism, constant self-reflection, learning, and adaptation are important
to refine your approach and evolve as an ethical and effective advocate for social change. Using
the media for advocacy can be a powerful tool to raise awareness, mobilize support, and
influence public opinion on an issue or cause. Here are several ways to leverage the media for
effective advocacy:

1. News Coverage and Press Releases: Draft press releases and news pitches to inform
journalists about your cause or issue. Provide them with newsworthy information, compelling
stories, and relevant data to increase the chances of coverage in newspapers, television, radio,
or online outlets. Develop relationships with journalists who specialize in the field you are
advocating for.

2. Op-Eds and Guest Articles: Write opinion pieces or guest articles for newspapers, magazines,
or online platforms to express your perspective, present solutions, and influence public opinion.
Op-eds allow you to present your argument in a more in-depth, persuasive manner.

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Example: A human rights advocate can write an op-ed for a major newspaper, sharing firsthand
accounts and perspectives on human rights violations, while urging readers to take action,
support relevant organizations, or contact elected representatives.

3. Social Media and Online Platforms: Utilize social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram, and YouTube to share your message, engage with your audience, and raise
awareness. Create visually compelling content, share stories, and encourage supporters to
amplify your message through sharing and engagement.

4. Blogs and Podcasts: Start your own blog or contribute to established blogs and podcasts that
cover topics related to your cause. Share informative and engaging content, interview experts
or affected individuals, and encourage discussion around the issues you are advocating for.

Example: An environmental advocacy group can send out a monthly newsletter to subscribers,
featuring updates on conservation efforts, tips for sustainable living, and calls to action,
encouraging readers to participate in local environmental initiatives or fundraising campaigns.

5. Visual Content: Use visual storytelling through videos, info graphics, and images to engage
and inform your audience. Visual content has a higher likelihood of being shared and can
quickly convey your message and evoke emotions.

6. Collaborations and Partnerships: Partner with media outlets, journalists, influencers, and
organizations that align with your cause. Collaborative efforts can amplify your message and
reach a broader audience. This includes joint campaigns, shared content creation, or co-hosting
events.

7. Engage with Journalists and Media Outlets: Actively build relationships with journalists and
media outlets in your area of advocacy. Attend media events, respond to media inquiries
promptly, and provide them with credible sources, data, and stories. Become a go-to resource
for journalists seeking expert insights or human interest angles on the issue you are advocating
for.

8. Documentary Films and Multimedia Projects: Consider producing or collaborating on

documentary films, short videos, or multimedia projects that highlight the issues you are

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advocating for. These can provide a powerful visual medium to convey stories, showcase the
impact, and create a sense of urgency.

Remember, it is crucial to develop a strategic media plan that aligns with your advocacy goals
and target audience. Consistency, factual accuracy, and ethical practices are key to maintaining
credibility and effectively utilizing the media for advocacy.

What advocacy journalism do for the society

Advocacy journalism plays a crucial role in society by fulfilling several important functions:

1. Raising Awareness: Advocacy journalism brings attention to urgent social issues that may be
ignored or underreported by mainstream media. It shines a light on marginalized communities,
human rights abuses, environmental crises, and other pressing concerns that require public
awareness.

2. Holding Power Accountable: Advocacy journalism acts as a watchdog, scrutinizing

institutions, powerful individuals, and societal systems. By exposing corruption, injustices, and
abuses of power, it holds accountable those who may otherwise go unchecked.

3. Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Advocacy journalism gives voice to individuals and

communities who are often underrepresented or excluded from mainstream narratives. It
provides a platform for marginalized groups to share their experiences, perspectives, and
demands, thereby fostering inclusivity and social change.

4. Advocating for Justice and Equality: Advocacy journalism actively advocates for justice,
equality, and improved societal conditions. It challenges systemic disparities, institutionalized
discrimination, and human rights violations, striving to bring about positive transformations and
a fairer society.

5. Mobilizing Public Action: This form of journalism encourages public engagement and action.
By informing and inspiring readers, it helps mobilize support, spur activism, and promote civic
participation in addressing societal issues and advocating for change.

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6. Providing Critical Analysis: Advocacy journalism offers critical analysis and insights into
complex social, political, and economic issues. It goes beyond mere reporting by providing
context, historical background, and expert analysis. This analysis helps readers understand the
underlying causes and implications of the issues at hand.

7. Shaping Public Opinion: By influencing public opinion and discourse, advocacy journalism
can help shift societal norms, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to the formation of
informed and empathetic perspectives. It encourages dialogue and fosters social progress.

8. Filling Information Gaps: Advocacy journalism often covers stories and issues that are
neglected or overlooked by mainstream media. By filling these information gaps, it ensures a
diverse and well-rounded media landscape that reflects the multifaceted realities of society.

9. Inspiring Change and Solutions: By highlighting individuals, organizations, and initiatives that
are working towards positive change, advocacy journalism inspires readers and fosters hope. It
showcases solutions, innovative approaches, and successful models, sparking creativity and
encouraging replicable actions.

While advocacy journalism is driven by certain values and objectives, it is crucial to maintain the
principles of journalistic integrity, including accuracy, balance, and fact-checking. It is important
to approach advocacy journalism with ethical considerations and a commitment to the truth,
transparency, and accountability.

By combining the power of storytelling with a dedication to justice and positive social change,
advocacy journalism contributes to fostering a more informed, engaged, and equitable society.

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Reference;-

-Copyright © 2015 by Open.PS— the Open Professional School SE. Find us on

www.www.openschoolofjournalism.com Advocacy Journalism by Tanni Haas

-THE HANDBOOK OF JOURNALISM STUDIES Strömbäck/ Kaid – The Handbook of Election News Coverage
Around the World

-Wahl-Jorgensen/Hanitzsch – The Handbook of Journalism Studies (First published 2009 by Routledge

270 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016)

-Deuze, Mark, Towards Professional Participatory Storytelling in Journalism and Advertising, First
Monday Volume 10, July 2005.

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