Global Press Journal
Global Press Institute
Global Press News ServiceThe Global Press Style Guide
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baby
SEE ALSO: fetus/baby/embryo
belief systems
Rule:
Do not conflate religions with belief systems. A belief system is a general term referring to a set of principles or practices. A religion is a specific set of beliefs that are practiced in a formalized way. Treat all believers with dignity. Use precise language to describe belief systems.
Rationale:
Preferential language is often used to refer to believers of major religions. It is not the journalist’s job to verify that a belief system is true, but rather that people exhibit sincere belief in it. Note, however, that this does not preclude a journalist from investigating the practices of a religion.
black
This is a deviation from AP Style.
Rule:
Only refer to a source’s skin color when central to the story’s news value. Always include local context. Do not conflate race with skin color or nationality.
Rationale:
It is not accurate to conflate race with skin color. Precise references to source identity promote reader clarity and source dignity.
Example:
In Zimbabwe today, the group of people collectively known as war veterans is a powerful political faction that also carries out land seizures to install black Zimbabweans as owners of farms once owned by white Zimbabweans. Read this full story from Zimbabwe in Global Press Journal here.
blue collar/white collar
This is a deviation from AP Style.
Rule:
Do not use these terms to describe types of jobs. When relevant, use precise descriptions of jobs including local context, information about pay and working conditions.
Rationale:
The terms are outdated, imprecise and force readers to make assumptions. Precise descriptions of jobs and working conditions promote reader clarity and source dignity.
SEE ALSO: working class