Inclusive Language Guidelines
PBS member station GBH has developed a guide for communicating about people accurately and sensitively. "Words can make the difference between forging trust or creating distance," the guide states.
Inclusive Language
Resources and guidance on using language in your reporting and storytelling that is consistent with the core principle of Inclusiveness in the PBS Editorial Standards :
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Capitalizing 'B' in Black
In evaluating the use of language when covering race, major media organizations, including PBS, have decided to capitalize “Black” when referring to people in a racial, ethnic, or cultural context. This article examines the thinking behind this change.
SAY IT LOUD is a PBS Digital Studios series that celebrates Black culture and history. The episode "Are You 'Black' or 'African American?'" explores how people identify when asked about race.
Recommended Reading
- 'Unarmed Black Man' Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means (May 21, 2020, NPR public editor)
- From 'Protest' To 'Riot' To 'Insurrection' - How NPR's Language Evolved (Jan. 14, 2021, NPR public editor)
- BIPOC? Latinx? Here's how to describe people accurately (Dec. 1, 2021, NPR Training)
- The meanings of 'pregnant people' and 'pregnant women' (Feb. 17, 2022, NPR newsletter)
Style Guides
Recommended Style Guides and Handbooks:
- Asian American Journalists Association: Guidance and Resources
- National Association of Black Journalists: Style Guide
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists: Cultural Competence Handbook
- National Center on Disability and Journalism: Disability Language Style Guide
- Native American Journalists Association Guides & Resources
- Religion Stylebook
- The Association of LGBTQ Journalists: Stylebook