Collection

Elevating Voices, Elevating Empathy

Solutions Journalism Network

Whether it’s recognizing the harm of scoreboard reporting, taking a public health approach to crime reporting, or prioritizing trust over shock value in photojournalism, news outlets across the country are evaluating how criminal justice is covered in their communities. Covering crime solely in a “breaking news” fashion not only doesn’t capture the entire story, but can damage communities and reinforce problematic narratives.

For journalists in broadcast TV, this can be especially challenging given the time constraints the medium brings. At the same time, they have a rare opportunity to elevate and show diverse voices in their communities. By redistributing their power – which is the platform that millions tune into every week – to their communities to share their story, they can foster empathy and create agency in ways that their communities need.

This collection highlights the opportunities that news stations have taken to diversify and expand on their criminal justice coverage – specifically coverage that highlights individuals who have experienced incarceration. In each video, you’ll see not just a Solutions Journalism story, but solutions that build agency among and empathy for this population by giving them a platform to share their own stories.

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