‘Average American,’ ‘Coastal Elite,’ ‘Inner City’: How Journalists Can Avoid Regional Stereotypes
Tropes may be a quick way to illustrate an image to an audience, but they’re not fair or accurate.
Mallory Carra
Mallory Carra is a journalist, editor and USC adjunct journalism professor based in Los Angeles, where she teaches digital and audio journalism. Her bylines have appeared in Cosmopolitan, E! News, Teen Vogue and elsewhere.
Latest Posts from Mallory Carra
Why Journalists Need to Report on the Local Impact of National News
Between the economy and education, there is no shortage of local angles for reporters to cover.
How Journalists Can Link Misinformation to Political Policy
NBC senior reporter Brandy Zadrozny discusses how journalists can cover misinformation and contextualize its impact on politics and the law.
LA Wildfires Show How Journalists Can Help While Reporting
“I want to focus on facts and being accurate, but I don’t ever want to forget to be a human,” said NBC Correspondent Ellison Barber.
4 in 5 Teens Have Fallen for a Conspiracy Online. How Can They Learn to Spot Misinfo?
Meet the organizations ensuring the next generation is media literate.
How Journalists Can Create Boundaries with Sources
Should you follow sources on Instagram? Flippantly use emoji? Learn how to be friendly without being friends.
Why Childcare Is a Growing Beat in Journalism
The pandemic exposed how integral childcare is to everyday American life. Journalists took note.
How Journalists Can Responsibly Cover Multiracial People
Donald Trump’s comments about Kamala Harris’ identity offer an opportunity for journalists to dig into the nuances of being mixed race.
3 Out of 4 Journalists Have Been Harassed Online. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.
Journalists who’ve experienced harassment offer advice for dealing with the trolls.
Many People Get Jobs Through Networking. But What If You Have Social Anxiety?
Here’s how to make connections even when situations seem overwhelming.
Ghosted After a Job Interview? Here’s How to Bounce Back.
There are lessons, even a little hope, to take away from an employer’s silent rejection.
War, Abuse, Climate Disasters: How Journalists Can Be Sensitive to Trauma
Newsrooms have been leaning into trauma-informed journalism in recent years. Here’s what that means.
Understanding — and Avoiding — Asian American Stereotypes
Journalists must first learn the histories of racial tropes if they want to stop perpetuating them.
Want to Launch Your Own News Site? Start Here.
Nonprofit journalism and worker-owned media outlets are on the rise. See how to get involved.
From Podcast to Print: How to Be a Versatile Journalist
Journalists are expected to juggle more mediums than ever. Here’s how to do it.
Princess Kate Is Largely Out of the Public Eye. That Doesn’t Mean Journalists Should Speculate.
Here’s how to responsibly report on the health of public figures.
4 Red Flags to Look for When Applying to a Media Job
Job scams are on the rise. Don’t get duped.
To Post or Not to Post: How Journalists Can Best Use Social Media
Learn how to engage with your audience, find sources and stay out of trouble.
Local News Coverage Is Dwindling. Student Journalists Are Filling in the Gaps.
Young journalists are covering the public meetings, legislative sessions and community issues that mainstream media isn’t.
Burnout Remains a Problem. Journalists Are Helping Each Other Cope.
From podcasts to trainings, journalists are creating resources to help colleagues deal with stress and burnout.
It’s Not Too Late to Start a Journalism Career
Here’s how to utilize skills from past jobs and make the leap into journalism.
Bridging the Disconnect Between Gen Z and Management
Here’s how different generations can better communicate in the workplace.
What It Takes To Be a Successful Freelance Journalist
Considering going freelance? Here’s what you need to know to take the leap.
Your Early-Career Network Begins in J-School
The bonds you create in journalism programs are often carried throughout your career.
