UT Prof Anita Varma on how to practice “Solidarity Journalism”

University at Texas professor Anita Varma’s recent book Solidarity in Journalism: How Ethical Reporting Fights for Social Justice creates a framework for journalists to center the humanity and dignity of their reporting subjects and challenge narratives pushed by the powerful. In this conversation with the IIJ’s Erika Hayasaki, Varma discusses how solidarity practices can restore the public’s trust in journalism and lead to higher-impact coverage.

Dr. Anita Varma is a professor and researcher at UT Austin, where she leads the Solidarity Journalism Initiative at the Center for Media Engagement. She serves on the board of the Objective and Press On: A Southern Collective for Movement Journalism.

Erika Hayaski is a writer focusing on the intersections of identity, race, psychology, inequality, science, technology, history, and the human condition. She writes a newsletter called The Reported Essay. She is a former national correspondent for the Los Angeles Times and currently teaches at the University of California, Irvine as a professor in the Literary Journalism Program.

The Freelance Journalism Podcast is a production of the Institute for Independent Journalists, whose mission is the financial and emotional sustainability of freelancers of color. Learn more about our work at theiij.com

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