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Much of today's media coverage breaks the country into black and white, North and South, male and female. Doing so fails to capture the complexity of American life that journalists need to portray. Based on the late Robert C. Maynard's belief that the five fault lines of race, class, gender, generation and geography are the most enduring forces shaping lives, experiences and social tensions in this country, the Institute's Fault Lines framework helps journalists build a more diverse source list, have more voices in stories and determine which fault lines are at work in complex issues. The Institute's Fault Lines framework can be used as a quick checklist or a brainstorming tool that journalists can use to analyze and plan the content of their coverage based on the character of the communities they serve. Fault Lines improves credibility because knowing which fault line is dominant and not confusing race for class, or class with geography helps to ensure more accurate coverage. It also allows for more nuanced coverage because it reminds journalists that it is not enough to only look at one fault line, the other four must be factored in as well. For example, when looking at a "women's" issue, it's important to examine how race, class, generation and geography might impact the issue. Because the framework emphasizes talking about what are often highly charged issues with the goal of understanding and not necessarily agreeing, the framework allows for honest discussion within newsrooms, helping the news organization's diversity to be reflected in its coverage. Fault Lines also recognizes that we all have blind spots based on our experiences and serves to remind all journalists to continue to seek those who have different viewpoints.
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