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This research was undertaken to contribute to understanding how ageing and older people are portrayed in Australian media. It was designed to get an insiders’ story, from the people who create the news and media content each and every day.
The research involved a review of literature and media reportage across key media outlets in Australia and in-depth interviews with journalists, editors, producers and other communications specialists.
This report outlines the Australian Human Rights Commission’s key findings and identifies three key opportunities for the media industry and age sector to take a collaborative approach to improving the accuracy, quantity, and quality of coverage about older Australians and the issues that affect and matter to them.
The three opportunities identified are a call to action for the media and age sectors to work together to:
improve media access to relevant spokespersons and subject-matter experts
provide resources and staff training to increase industry awareness about ageism and strengthen editorial standards in reporting on age-related matters
combat ageism and shift the narrative on ageing, both within the media industry and in the wider community.
Collectively, we must do better to ensure media coverage accurately represents the diversity of older people, their stories and the issues that affect not only them, but often influence the whole of society and future generations.
To read the report, click the link below.