Way of Working
Media Monitoring and Response
Purpose
The purpose of this process is to establish a structured framework for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to media content related to India, Indians, Hindus, and Hinduism. The process ensures that representations in the media are factually accurate, ethically sound, and contextually balanced. It also facilitates constructive engagement with media organizations when inaccuracies, bias, or misrepresentations occur.
Scope
This process applies to all media monitoring activities conducted by the organization.
Primary focus: Dutch media, including national and regional newspapers, online platforms, broadcast media, and magazines.
Secondary focus: European media sources with coverage of relevant topics.
Subject focus: News and opinion content concerning India, Indians, Hindus, and Hinduism.
Collection of Media Reports
Relevant media content is collected and reported using the Google Form:
Each submission shall include:
Source and date of publication
Headline and brief summary
Link or image of the article
Rationale for submission (e.g., potential bias, factual inaccuracy, misrepresentation)
All collected entries are compiled into a central database for review.
Selection of Reports for Review
The coordination team conducts an initial screening to determine which reports warrant further analysis.
Selection criteria include:
Relevance to the organization’s focus areas
Potential public impact of the report
Evidence of factual inaccuracies, ethical concerns, or prejudicial framing
Analytical Review
Selected reports are referred to the Analysis Group, which performs a structured assessment based on the following parameters:
Compliance with Journalistic Ethics:
Evaluation in accordance with the Guidelines of the Dutch Press Council (Raad voor de Journalistiek) to determine adherence to ethical standards.
Fact Verification:
Examination of the factual accuracy of claims through the use of reliable, verifiable, and authoritative sources.
Language and Framing Assessment:
Review of tone, terminology, and narrative framing to identify instances of bias, stereotyping, or cultural insensitivity.
The Analysis Group documents its findings and provides recommendations regarding appropriate response actions.
Response Protocol
Depending on the findings of the analytical review, one or more of the following actions shall be initiated:
Direct Engagement with Media Outlets
A formal communication is sent to the relevant editorial office or journalist. This correspondence may include:
An objection or request for correction or clarification
Supplementary factual or contextual information
A proposal to engage in dialogue or request for a meeting/interview
Submission of a Counter-Article
Where appropriate, Sunrise Foundation may prepare and submit a response article or opinion piece to the same media outlet or an alternative platform, ensuring that a balanced perspective is presented to the public.
Public Communication
All responses and analyses may be shared on the organization’s website and social media to keep the public informed.