Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (fair.org) is a US-based media watch group, that since 1986 has been offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship. FAIR advocates greater diversity in the press and scrutinizes media practices that marginalize public interest, minority and dissenting viewpoints.
FAIR works with both activists and journalists. The group maintains a regular dialogue with reporters at news outlets across the US, providing constructive criticism when called for and applauding exceptional, hard-hitting journalism. FAIR also encourages the public to contact media with their concerns, becoming media activists rather than passive consumers of news.
Visitors to fair.org can sign up to receive the group’s Action Alerts.
The Alerts outline incompetent media performance and advise what steps can be taken in protest. For example, FAIR’s Action Alert of April 12, 2002, titled “Palestinian Deaths Aren’t Headline Material at New York Times,” provides contact details for the newspaper and suggests how media activists might write letters to the NY Times expressing their disapproval of the reporting of events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to FAIR, “Challenging mainstream media and building independent media are equally important components of media activism. Long-term community pressure and grassroots action are key to media reform.”
Download FAIR’s Media Activist Kit, which contains guides for identifying, documenting and challenging inaccurate or unfair news coverage, along with information about promoting independent media, and learn how to advocate for balanced coverage of events in the occupied territories.