Freelancers may want to think more critically about the sources they interview for their stories. Several groups have created databases to encourage reporters to extend their limited perspectives and typical networks.
“Inclusive reporting” beefs up your stories with a variety of viewpoints that come from a different race, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle or culture than your own. Plus, a diversity of sources adds credibility, accuracy and context to your work.
As health reporters, we’ve written about a pandemic that disproportionately affects people of color, and we know the power that comes from investigating different datasets, different health outcomes and different communities. Let’s extend that type of insight to our other stories, too.
Bookmark these resources so you can find them as you begin your next story:
Database of Diverse Databases: The Editors of Color’s database is a fantastic collection of directories and spreadsheets across a dozen beats, including health, science, technology and political science.
Diverse Sources: This searchable database features experts in health, science and the environment. The project’s goal is specifically to facilitate more diverse voices in journalism and was created by health and science reporters who recognized the need in their own work. The advisory board includes health and science journalists, too.
Diversify Chemistry: This website highlights the diverse community of chemists. There are lists of academics, industrial chemists and graduate students/post-docs.
Expert Women in Microbiology: The Microbiome Digest website features a google doc with the names of hundreds of women in the fields of microbial ecology, microbiomes, pathogenesis, microbial genomics, bioinformatics, probiotics and more.
500 Queer Scientists: This compilation of queer professionals in STEM and STEM-supporting jobs is fueled by self-submitted bios.
500 Women Scientists: This compilation of women and gender diverse STEM professionals has become well-known in recent years. The homepage has an easy-to-use keyword tool, and you can also search by discipline and location by clicking on a map.
NPR’s Diverse Sources Database: The public radio network has compiled a list of experts from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the media. It is searchable by subject area, location and keyword.
SheSource: The Women’s Media Center has a great database of media-experienced women who are ready to speak. You can search by keyword, area of expertise, location and language.
Women in Neuroscience: This repository of thousands of women neuroscientists has links to individual profiles and contact information.
