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MediaWatch

What is AAJA MediaWatch?


As part of the mission of the Asian American Journalists Association, AAJA MediaWatch addresses issues of unfair and inaccurate news media coverage about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Issues that appear in the newspaper, magazines, on the television news, online media, or broadcast on radio may be addressed by the organization. See our current guidelines.

Among the ways AAJA responds are by sending a letter, calling or meeting with publishers, editors or staff of the media companies to discuss the issue or complaint. AAJA may also issue a statement, press release or media alert about the issue.

Report an Incident


If you come across an issue for AAJA MediaWatch, let us know by filling out a report to us online.

Alerts!


See the Alerts! page for issues of concern regarding negative portrayals or comments about AAPIs.

Fresh View


The views expressed in Fresh View are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of AAJA. For consideration as the next columnist, e-mail mediawatch@aaja.org.


Eye on the News

AAJA and ABC Tangle Over Pronunciation of "Sikh"

AAJA cites ABC for mispronouncing "Sikh." Sept. 8-12 updates: WABC-TV defends their pronunciation; AAJA apologizes and posts correction.
September 12, 2008

AAJA Responds to Kathie Lee Gifford's Mock Chinese Accent

Gifford is co-host of the Today show.
August 29, 2008

AAJA Cites BBC For Using Derogatory Term

The term "Chinaman" was used in a BBC broadcast.
August 22, 2008

Minn. Radio Host Implies Asians Look Alike - AAJA Chapter Responds

A KSTP radio host made the remarks during the U.S. Women's Open golf championship, which featured numerous Asian golfers.
August 8, 2008

Minn. TV Station Refers to "Asian Invasion" of International Golfers

The Seattle Times ran a story about police pursuing a male groping suspect. The newspaper reported that he attacked women "described as Asian or Asian American," which a reader argued that differentiating between "Asian" and "Asian American" is unnecessary in this context. AAJA MediaWatch Committee responded to the reader.
July 7, 2008

Racial Identifiers: 'Asian' or 'Asian American'?

The Seattle Times ran a story about police pursuing a male groping suspect. The newspaper reported that he attacked women "described as Asian or Asian American," which a reader argued that differentiating between "Asian" and "Asian American" is unnecessary in this context. AAJA MediaWatch Committee responded to the reader.
July 7, 2008

   The Asian American    Journalists Association    (AAJA) was founded in    1981 by a few Asian    American and Pacific    Islander (AAPI) journalists.    Within the next few years,    AAJA began hosting panel    discussions for members.


   AAJA joins UNITY:    Journalists of Color in    Atlanta, Georgia for its first    conference focusing on    people of color and diversity    in the newsroom.

   AAJA was honored with the    Medal for Distinguished    Service in Journalism by the    University of Missouri for its    contributions to the industry.

   AAJA named the    championship trophy for    its annual photo competition    after the late New York    Times photojournalist Dith    Pran. The names of each    recipient are engraved on    the trophy.

   The organization marks its    25th year anniversary    hosting celebrations in New    York, Texas and Los    Angeles to kick off a $2    million endowment    campaign for programs.

   AAJA presented the 2008    Media Champion Award by    the Asian Community    Mental Health Services for    "challenging misinformation    and stereotypes in media    coverage around the    Virginia Tech tragedy and    helping to present mental    distress as a human and    commonplace experience."