MDA | Race Reporting Handbook It is therefore important to be aware that official complaints about offensive reporting or media engagements, do not show the full picture of the media experience of First Nations and other negatively racialised communities, which often involve harm and resistance against harmful media portrayals, including through platforming stories in communities’ own voices in community and independent media outlets. Without action to remedy these relationships, communities can be pushed to disengage from media interactions, affecting how they interact with the media in the future. It is important to note that community experiences with the media, whether positive or negative, are often shared widely within and across communities, showing how these interactions can influence broader community and public views and engagements. Pre-existing media representation and reporting styles can also affect communities’ willingness and trust in collaborating with the media on initiatives to work towards inclusive and anti-racist storytelling, so it is vital to understand how historical interactions play into current dynamics and allow time to address these concerns and repair relationships. To keep these communities engaged and willing to share their stories, always approach them and cover their stories with respect and engage with communities early to build relationships, partnerships, and trust. | CHAPTER 05 THE CORE OF ENGAGEMENT Effective community engagement and outreach initiatives should aim for multifaceted outcomes that contribute to informed, collaborative journalism. • • • Mutual Learning: Foster an environment of two-way learning where journalists listen and communities articulate their perspectives. This enhances the authenticity of stories. Assign Resources: Resources and funding should be dedicated to enabling journalists to build relationships and engage with various communities well in advance of deadlines or specific needs. This proactive approach is an integral part of a journalist's everyday responsibilities, regardless of the community. It fosters confidence, deepens understanding, and ensures that journalists accurately and authentically represent all voices. Diversifying Talent: Establish relationships with communities and expand the talent pool to avoid monolithic or stereotypical narratives and enrich storytelling. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND CULTURAL SENSITIVITY Creating lasting connections requires trust and pre-existing relationships, emphasising the need for cultural sensitivity, and avoiding the imposition of 'cultural load' (or ‘colonial load’) —the burden on community members to educate others. 40