GLAAD LAUNCHES "NEWSROOM '08" WEB SITE

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has launched “Newsroom ’08,” a Web site which will serve as a resource on how media talk about issues affecting to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community as they pertain to the local, state and national elections in November.  The national media advocacy organization’s dedicated microsite has a blog, “Read Between the Lines,” where commentary on and analysis of election coverage will be posted, as well as resources for both community members and media professionals. “At GLAAD, we’re in the business of helping to change hearts and minds about issues affecting the LGBT community,” said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano.  “Election years give us increased opportunity to talk about our issues and to hold media accountable for fair, accurate and inclusive coverage.  Newsroom ’08 provides a unique analysis and insight on media coverage of the November elections as they pertain to LGBT issues.” Newsroom ‘08 provides expansive educational resources for journalists and community members.  In addition to “Read Between the Lines,” community members can learn when GLAAD staff will be in their area conducting the organization’s signature Media Essentials Training Workshops to help advocates become more effective in their media work.  There are also ways to be more involved locally and access video clips of recent news coverage.  “GLAAD has been hard at work holding media accountable at the national and local levels,” said Rashad Robinson, GLAAD’s senior director of programs.  “Newsroom ’08 gives journalists and community members additional resources to move beyond oversimplification and to promote election coverage that portrays the LGBT community and issues in a fair, accurate and inclusive light.” Journalists can find GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide, the go-to reference guide and style book for media professionals in their coverage of LGBT issues, which will soon be updated with a special focus on the 2008 elections.  Newsroom ’08 and its many resources can be found at http://newsroom08.glaad.org.