New Guidelines for Journalists to avoid Inaccurate Reporting Of HIV & AIDS

n response to growing concerns about inaccurate and stigmatising coverage of HIV in the UK media, the National AIDS Trust and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) are today launching 'Guidelines for reporting HIV'. This practical guide gives people working in the media up-to-date information on HIV and sources of further information to help ensure that their reporting is accurate and non-stigmatising.

A major concern for people living with HIV in the UK and the organisations that support them is the number of articles in the media that sensationalise and stigmatise HIV and unfairly represent individuals living with the virus. Inaccurate or stigmatising media coverage increases misconceptions about HIV and can fuel discrimination against HIV-positive people.

The National AIDS Trust and the National Union of Journalists have jointly produced these guidelines to help journalists tackling this complex and sensitive topic make sure that the articles that they write are not misleading and do not encourage negative perceptions about HIV.

The National AIDS Trust works closely with people living with HIV on challenging incorrect or stigmatising coverage and is aware that many more people living with HIV would also like to play their part in encouraging improved standards of reporting on HIV. The guidelines are a useful resource for anyone living with HIV who sees an inaccurate or stigmatising article and wishes to complain, as they can reference the guidelines in their complaint and advise journalists to download the guidelines to avoid future errors.

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of the National AIDS Trust, comments:

"The media's power to communicate news and information means that it is an incredibly useful tool in the fight against HIV, yet just one inaccurate or stigmatising article can have significant repercussions in terms of spreading false information about HIV and increasing prejudice against people living with the virus.

At a time when the UK has the fastest growing rates of HIV infection in Western Europe, it is crucial that all articles about HIV give accurate information and help to break down the stigma that still surrounds the condition. People living with HIV can play an active role in improving media coverage on HIV by writing a letter of complaint whenever they see an article that does not follow these guidelines."

The guidelines give the facts on topics such as HIV testing and treatment, but also look at the social context of living with HIV, addressing issues such as HIV and employment and HIV and the law. The guidelines also contain a useful guide on correct terminology in relation to HIV and AIDS, giving journalists advice on which words are correct and which are inaccurate or inappropriate.

Over thirty thousand copies of the guidelines will be distributed to NUJ members across the UK and the editors of all major national newspapers and broadcast news programmes will be provided with a copy.

The guidelines are supported by the Society of Editors, which works with its members to ensure that reporting in the UK meets the highest editorial standards. Copies of the guidelines will be available to all members of the Society of Editors, which includes editors in national, regional and local newspapers, magazines, radio, television and new media.

Bob Satchwell, Executive Director of the Society of Editors, comments:

"HIV is not always top of the agenda in the UK, so it is vitally important that journalists report clearly and accurately to help challenge inaccurate perceptions and promote better understanding and responses."

The National AIDS Trust (NAT) is the UK's leading independent policy and campaigning voice on HIV and AIDS. It aims to prevent the spread of HIV, encourage early diagnosis, ensure people living with HIV have access to treatment and care, and eradicate HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

www.nat.org.uk