Some information about the new group created to tackle bias,
homophobia and heterosexism in the mass media
GROUP AIMS AND MISSION
The Media watch group is dedicated to monitoring the mass media
for biased, and homophobic reporting of LGBT issues; and
challenging these through:
* E-mails
* Letters
* Phone calls
* Online news / discussion forums
* Networking with other LGBT groups
The group also aims to provide resources and support to those of
us battling with online homophobia and heterosexist opinions,
especially whenever pinknews reports a media item which is
offensive to LGBT people.
WHY TAKE ACTION
When the BBC used Steven Green (A well known extremist, who has
called for the execution of gays), to comment on the Elton Baby
story; the BBC claimed this was necessary in order to achieve
balance.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/12/30/exclusive-bbc-gay-execution-supporter-interview-was-required-to-balance-elton-john-baby-coverage/
Many people at Pink News disagreed, arguing that this was not
only biased and homophobic, but highly offensive reporting of an
LGBT issue.
In response, Pink news readers sent e-mails to the BBC and OFFCOM
complaining about the homophobic reporting of the Elton John
story. Pinknews coverage of the story, and the online discussions
which emerged; resulted in the Independent Newspaper giving a
brief coverage to our call not to pay the BBC licensing
fee.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/bbc-coverage-of-eltons-baby-provokes-claims-of-homophobia-2173355.html
WHY ACTION CAN ACHIEVE RESULTS
OFFCOM states that it has the following policy with regards
weekly complaints:
"Every time Ofcom receives a complaint from a viewer or listener,
we assess it under the Broadcasting Code to see if it needs
further investigation."
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enforcement/audience-complaints/
What this highlights is that e-mails, letters and phone calls can
have an impact, and can be very useful in raising awareness; as
well as challenging homophobia and media bias
HOW TO COMPLAIN TO OFFCOM
Below is a link to the OFFCOM complaints section on their
website, complaints can be made by filling in their online form
facility.
https://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/specific-programme-epg
