HIV Media Guide

HIV is a critically important story.

• All audiences deserve complete, accurate and insightful coverage of HIV and related issues. Effective reporting requires a solid understanding of HIV and its social and medical implications, challenging myths and misinformation.

  It is crucial to report on HIV in an informed, balanced manner without sensationalism. Inaccurate and sensational reporting can spread misinformation about the nature of Australia’s HIV epidemic or fuel stigma against people living with HIV and affected communities, such as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who use drugs, undermining HIV prevention efforts.

• In recent years, news stories relating to HIV in Australia have focused on some common themes including HIV prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis, reporting on HIV data, HIV cure research, HIV criminal cases and stories about HIV exposure risk in the community. This guide provides information and recommendations for avoiding common pitfalls when reporting on HIV.

  Access our appropriate language guide