Media Accountability: Call to Action in the Aftermath of the Kirk Killing
How to conduct oneself when calling media outlets:
You can be courteous, or you can be firm, but no threats nor foul language—the call here is for civility. If speaking with a government official, do provide your first name, (last name may be necessary, in some cases for some officials as well as your zip code) and specify the name of the person you wish to direct the issue to.
Contact media companies and demand they not add fuel to the fire. We need you to reach out to media outlets and let them know of the important role they play in not dividing our country even further. The Charlie Kirk killing is an American tragedy. There are varied reactions from across the country.
Here is what we want you to tell the media to do:
We need you to be responsible in your journalism and bring forth facts.
We need you to not cherry-pick important facts to the benefit of one side or another.
We need you to check the tone of your reporting and to ask if what you are putting out will create more division or more hatred in the country.
We need you to quickly and forcefully address disinformation. The shooter was not Black, trans, or a Democrat!
We need you to call out political leaders who are engaged in false and inflammatory language and/or speech. You too represent and are a voice of the people. Hold them to a higher standard. Be courageous.
Since we cannot always rely on national legacy media, such as the New York Times or Washington Post alone, and since local news is of primary importance to our communities, we are providing a resource for local California media sources and also national media sources to help with your outreach.
You can also respond to what the media is doing right or wrong by writing a Letter to the Editor. Don’t know how? Follow this outline from Indivisible National:
How to Write Letters to the Editor that Really Get Attention
California media directories
From the Media and Democracy Project, (Be sure to donate to these excellent folks!) Here is a list of California media outlets. We recommend you reach out to outlets near you and include those who cater to Spanish-speaking populations. This directory includes our own San Francisco Standard, Mission Local, 48Hills, and more.
https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/journalism-directory-list/california
From EinPressWire this is their California Media Directory, which includes our local SF GATE, SFist, and a number of other local news sources.
https://www.einpresswire.com/world-media-directory/4/california
For those outside of California
Since this is a national crisis, use the Media and Democracy Project link below to select states outside of California. Be sure to share resources with folks outside of California!
From Media and Democracy project
https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/journalism-directory
(Scroll to the bottom of the page to find their map which will provide database listings by state.)
Here is what we want you to tell religious leaders to do as they have an extremely important role to play too; tell them:
We need you to be responsible in your sermons and bring forth facts.
We need you to check the tone of your sermons and to ask if what you are putting out will create more division or more hatred in the country.
We need you to use the power of your words towards peace.
For Christian gatherings in particular, tell your pastor or priest, we need you to think about what messages and examples are you reflecting to your congregation? What would Jesus do? And explain how forgiveness is an important avenue towards peace. If your pastor is failing in this regard, CALL THEM OUT!!
Here is what we want you to do in your private lives:
Reflect on some of the historical events from the past and what is currently happening today, for example, in places like Gaza where long-standing, generational, hatred is harming too many innocent people. Hatred and division must not win.
Discuss our blog article with family and friends. Sometimes gathering in such a manner helps to process valid feelings, and diffuse upsets.
Seek to retain hope in people’s humanity despite how upset they can get us at times. Most of us want a peaceful and safe world.
Additional Materials to review and to please share
James Talarico Delivers Sermon Against Christian Nationalism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blph_2RSBno
The "Just Call Me Sarah" Talk Show "The Power of Forgiveness" - Charleston Nine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SChkW1-enQ4
Background
For more, read our blog post.