Journalists Advised On How To Stop Screwing Up On Guns

By Tom Knighton

Every so often, social media pops up with a joke image that is supposedly a journalist’s guide to firearms. Everything shown is labeled “AK-47” except for the AK, which was labeled “AR-15.” It’s a routine joke for those of us who understand guns and who often see journalists mangle the facts when it comes to firearms. It’s awful, painful even.

Now, a website called Journalist’s Resource has decided to give its readers some tips on how to report on firearms more effectively.

It actually doesn’t suck.

Guns are one of the most divisive topics in the United States, so it’s crucial for journalists to get the details right — down to the type and style of weapon being discussed.

Nationwide, more than four in 10 adults say they either own a gun or live in a gun-owning household, according to the Pew Research Center. When reporters make mistakes, audiences may see their work as sloppy or, worse, perceive errors as an intentional effort to mislead. Regardless, when the news media get facts wrong, audiences — especially gun owners — may not trust the information they provide.

To warn reporters about pitfalls they may encounter in covering guns and brief …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms