The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI), in partnership with the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ), has released The Media Guide for Reporting on Missing Persons. The resource aims to address disparities in coverage of missing persons cases, particularly those involving people of color.
The guide is the result of a year-long collaboration among journalists and media professionals nationwide. It provides actionable steps for newsrooms to improve reporting practices and ensure fair and consistent attention to cases across communities.
“After polling many newsrooms across the country, we discovered that none had formal policies or procedures for reporting on missing persons cases, which has contributed to a lack of coverage for certain communities,” said Natalie Wilson, co-founder of BAMFI. “That’s why this guide is so critical—to ensure that media coverage of missing persons is fair and consistent and ensures that missing persons cases receive the attention they deserve.”
More than 550,000 people were reported missing in 2023, according to the FBI, and people of color represented nearly 40% of those cases. BAMFI co-founder Derrica Wilson said media attention can be key in resolving cases. “Every second counts when someone goes missing, and this guide helps ensure those cases are treated with the urgency they deserve,” she said.
Phil Lewis, president of WABJ, said the project reflects an effort to change newsroom practices. “For too long, newsrooms across the country have overlooked the stories of missing persons of color. We hope that this media guide will help empower journalists and newsroom leaders to cover these stories accurately and appropriately.”
The guide outlines steps to reduce bias, establish consistent coverage, and ensure equal attention regardless of race, income, or location. A national campaign will follow to encourage adoption, and BAMFI and WABJ are inviting journalists, educators, and the public to use and share the resource, as well as support the initiative through outreach and contributions.
Members of the media, educators, and the public are encouraged to take action:
- Request Your Copy of the Media Guide: Access The Media Guide for Reporting on Missing Persons
- Join our Journalist Database: Be among the first to know about missing persons cases in your community and beyond
- Teach the Guide: Invite BAMFI and WABJ to present this resource in your journalism classes and student newsrooms
- Share the Guide: Download the social media toolkit to help amplify the message (The Media Guide Is Now Live (Image), I Downloaded the Guide (Image), 40% of Missing Persons Cases Are People of Color (Image))
- Support BAMFI: Help us continue this vital work by making a contribution.
