Last week the NPR Editorial staff was making the rounds both on-air and on the web discussing a change in policy on reporting the abortion debate. Five years ago the official NPR style changed from characterizing individuals as “abortion rights advocates” or “abortion opponents” to the more frequently heard, and loaded, “pro-life” and “pro-choice”. As of March 24th, though, “abortion rights advocates” are making news again! The official memo to staff explained that the policy, “is aimed at ensuring the words [they] speak and write are as clear, consistent and neutral as possible.”
You can visit the NPR ombudsman’s blog to read the full memo and commentary on this and other editorial and journalistic policies.
— Victoria Sollecito
Re/Visionist 