Media Handbook for National Human Rights Institutions Photo by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia. This is not to say that NHRIs should see themselves as “content producers” for the media. Indeed, it is critical that NHRIs understand the distinct role played by the media and respect the professionalism and independence of journalists. However, NHRIs that understand how media outlets work, and the constraints under which many operate, have the opportunity to provide journalists with many of the elements that make up a powerful news story, such as photographs, video footage and audio interviews. Similarly, if journalists and media outlets face specific challenges in reporting on human rights issues, NHRIs should consider what practical steps they can take to work constructively with media organizations and journalists’ groups to address these concerns. 1.2. UNDERSTANDING HOW NEWS IS SELECTED The news media in many countries has a positive record in covering human rights issues, even if they don’t cover all such stories. They are genuinely interested in the stories and information that NHRIs and other human rights organizations have to share. However, “[o]verriding everything is whether or not a story is news: new, unexpected, affecting current affairs both large and small”.7 For NHRIs, understanding what “news” is – those elements that dictate whether a story is splashed across the front page or a minor item buried deep inside the newspaper – is crucial to how effectively they engage the media. 7 International Council on Human Rights Policy; Journalism, Media and the Challenge of Human Rights Reporting; 2002; p. 17. Chapter 1: Working effectively with the media | 3