Raised Voices wins grant to create Reporting on Migration toolkit

Raised Voices has received grant funding to create a Reporting on Migration toolkit for the Northern Ireland media.

Produced by co-directors Maeve Connolly and Laura Davis, it will provide journalists with an ‘at-a-glance’ document allowing them to confidently identify, challenge and correct misinformation or disinformation in live and breaking news environments and to produce respectful journalism containing the correct terminology.

Crucially, the reporting guidelines are being written in partnership with members of ethnic minority, asylum seeking and refugee communities around Northern Ireland who have lived experience of the issues being reported on.

This project has been supported by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland through the Equity in Action Fund.

This is the first stage of the project, which Raised Voices is planning to roll out across the rest of the UK, along with training for journalists.

Maeve Connolly said the guidelines will enhance the journalism produced in Northern Ireland.

She said: "Respectful and impactful journalism will build trust between marginalised communities and the press and contribute to a more representative media ecosystem. In addition it will help existing communities in Northern Ireland to understand the vulnerability and humanity of new communities and how they enrich society."

The Community Foundation Northern Ireland said it was "proud to support Raised Voices in this vital initiative".

Orla Black, director of grants and fund development, said: “Accurate and respectful reporting on migrants and migration is essential for building understanding and reducing discrimination.

"By co-creating this toolkit with migrant and ethnic minority communities, Raised Voices is ensuring that those most affected have a voice in shaping the narrative. This project will provide practical guidance for journalists and contribute to a more informed and inclusive media landscape across Northern Ireland.

"At the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, we are committed to supporting projects that promote equality, inclusion, and amplify underrepresented voices."