As the family of Nicola Bulley prepares to share their story in an upcoming BBC documentary, Missing People has released a new set of guidelines to help journalists, content creators, and media producers report on missing persons with greater responsibility and sensitivity.
These comprehensive guidelines, created by Missing People, aim to provide clear, informative, and helpful direction on how to approach the delicate subject of missing persons in media coverage. They emphasize the importance of accuracy, empathy, and respect for the privacy of those involved, offering practical advice on how to report on missing persons cases without causing undue distress to families and communities, while also ensuring that the public remains informed.
Key aspects of the guidelines include:
Rosemary Douce at IPSO commented
“This is well thought-out guidance which will assist journalists when it comes to reporting the subject of missing people. This subject has arisen with sad regularity in the news agenda over the last several years, so the launch of this guidance is very timely. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to support its creation, drawing on our knowledge of press standards in this area.”
Rob, Julie, and Cathy Stammers, family of missing Anthony Stammers, shared
“Missing People’s media guidance has been created with people with living and lived experience to develop compassionate and accurate reporting. Thank you for applying the principles to your important work.”
Learn more about our Media Advisory Service, and download our guidance below.
Learn moreWe have launched a regular email so that you can be aware of new missing person appeals and share them far and wide! We are also calling on all Heroes to be the eyes and ears for Missing People on the ground. Your sighting of a missing person could make a difference in a crucial time.