The media

HIV sometimes receives very good coverage in the media. At other times, though, the coverage relies on clichés or misrepresents the experiences of people with HIV. There can be occasions when it’s inaccurate. More worryingly still there can be prejudice.

Try and develop a strategy for dealing with bad, inaccurate or prejudiced reporting of HIV. One way may simply to avoid publications or broadcasts that you think are going to annoy or distress you, or to talk about it with friends or others who feel the same.

Or you might want to contact the media outlet setting and complain.

It’s good to know that both THT and NAT both have specialist media departments that actively challenge bad coverage of HIV.

NAT also have a group of people with HIV called the Press Gang. These people are interested in engaging with the media to try and improve reporting of HIV. For more information, contact NAT.