We are often told that journalism aims to be objective and neutral. However, journalists, just like everyone else, are exposed to stereotypes and prejudices about real or imagined groups of people in their society and in other countries. Some of these they may be consciously aware of, others may not appear to them as stereotypes at all. The same is true of beliefs about people and communities in other countries. The effect of these stereotypes can be amplified when journalists leave their own country to engage in foreign reporting. In addition to the stereotypes they bring from their own cultural setting, they are now exposed to a different cultural setting with its own actual differences as well as stereotypes. A journalist’s understandable lack of knowledge or linguistic skills can lead to reliance on pre-existing prejudices about the region or culture, or to undue trust of anyone who is able to communicate with them in a way they understand. All of these layers may lead to reporting that is biased, misleading or inaccurate. Bias and stereotyping in foreign reporting can be damaging to international relations when they cause misinterpretation of important events, as diplomats, politicians, and voters rely on media views to understand what actions to take in response to foreign events. Falsely portraying members of a community can also harm members of that community abroad. To avoid amplifying prejudice or bias in foreign reporting, it can be helpful to collaborate with local journalists, to make an effort to acquire cultural and historical context as needed, and to talk to a variety of sources, not just those who speak a shared language or share educational or socio-economic traits with the journalist.
