Parachute journalism has long been criticised for covering crises from a Western perspective. One newsroom is aiming to put communities at the heart of news coverage
Subscribe to the Journalism.co.uk podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and Spotify
Traditionally, when Western media organisations report on Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, they send foreign correspondents in to cover the events from the ground as they unfold.
This practice has been dubbed 'parachute journalism'. It can be effective for breaking news but it often means you are telling stories from a Western perspective, bringing your own values, practices and ethical considerations to communities you are not connected with. This can lead to backlash when Western editors make contentious decisions about how to cover communities they do not know or understand.
Even specialists in this world of reporting are racking their brains about how to undo decades of Westernised status quo when covering the Global South - some are referring to this as 'decolonising the media'.
One of those leading the conversation is Heba Aly, the CEO of The New Humanitarian, a non-profit newsroom best known for its reporting on conflicts, disasters and crises. In this week's podcast, Aly shares the strategies to shape accurate narratives around these communities, make sure their stories are of service to them, and recognise the agency of affected people to improve their own lives.
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Sign up to receive job alerts of your choice by email, or manage your subscription
Featured recruiter: click to view its vacancies
Three transport-focused B2B titles seek a content editor with SEO skills
Subscribe to our newsletter for latest news, tips, jobs and more
End that deadline stress today and find help in our freelance directory
Personal trainer James Hilton has launched a podcast 'Jim's Gym - Inspiring Movement'. James, a specialist in biomechanics and injury recovery from the Cotswolds, runs Jim's Gym, a virtual online space supporting people over 55 to be more active
Our next Newsrewired conference will be in May 2025, London.
Conferences and study weeks are fantastic opportunities to get the latest updates on the industry and network with your peers
Awards are a great way to have your hard work recognised by industry experts and celebrate your teams. Here is where you can apply
If you find your social feeds a tad too heavy on men's voices, follow and connect with these fantastic women experts on indie media
How do you move print readers to digital? Are there other ways to hold on to subscribers besides a last-ditch deal?
