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White Ribbon Australia Media Policy 2014
The media plays an important role in helping White Ribbon Australia to:
 Raise awareness of the issue of men’s violence against women
 Generate funding
 Drive policy change
 Continue public debate on the issue
This policy sets out the principles and procedures that White Ribbon intends to apply to all its dealings with
the media, and is to be used by all White Ribbon representatives in their dealings.
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that White Ribbon presents itself as a credible, independent and leading
authority on the sustainable prevention of violence against women, and provides a unified, informed and
consistent response to this issue.
As a not-for-profit organisation reliant on a wide range of external support, White Ribbon needs to protect not
only its own reputation, but also the reputation of employees, board members, sponsors and corporate
partners.
This policy should also be read in conjunction with White Ribbon’s Code of Ethics and Conduct, in which
Ambassadors will be considered and referred to as Volunteers.
Definition of media:
The media policy applies not just to comments to the media, but to public speaking engagements, letters to
the editor and articles published in books, brochures, magazines or on websites (where it could be reasonably
expected that the comments would be circulated in the wider community).
Authorised media representatives:
 White Ribbon Australia CEO and Chair
 White Ribbon Australia Board Members and National Executives
 Nominated members of White Ribbon Australia’s research and policy group
 Nominated White Ribbon Ambassadors
Principles of dealing with the media:
In all dealings with the media, White Ribbon’s representatives will seek to contribute to White Ribbon’s
reputation as a valuable member of civil society as it strives to earn the respect of the communities in which it
operates.
In particular, White Ribbon media representatives will:
 Recognise that the media is an integral part of a democratic society
 Treat media professionals with respect
 Declare and avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest
 Be fair, open and honest in dealings with the media
 Not use derogatory or defamatory language
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Avoid inflammatory language when commenting on public issues
Never plagiarise
Act in line with White Ribbon’s Code of Ethics and Conduct
Not be seen to take any particular stance/advocacy on issues on the behalf of White Ribbon
If you are contacted by media for comment as a White Ribbon Australia representative:
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Establish what the interview is about
Record who the journalist is, where they are from and their contact details
Ask their deadline and tell them you will contact them shortly
Consider if you are the correct person for the interview
Always notify the Media and Communications Coordinator before responding on
[email protected]
Prior to engaging in any media activity, please familiarise yourself with our:
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Code of Ethics and Conduct
Key messages
These documents are available for download at www.whiteribbon.org.au/ambassadorsonly/talking-to-themedia. If you need any guidance, please email [email protected].