The uncompromising way: Several lessons from homeless journalists

Abstract

The radical role of media is about challenging norms, advocating for justice, and amplifying marginalized voices. One such group is the unhoused population. The media owe them a debt by perpetuating disempowering narratives and stereotypes about homelessness. This article examines the practices of unhoused individuals engaged in participatory community journalism and their implications for professional journalists. Based on over 3 years of participatory action and critical ethnography research in the Czech Republic and Colorado, it presents several lessons for journalists to learn from homeless journalists. The findings show that involving unhoused people in journalism can equalize inevitably unequal power relations and promote truth-seeking. The article highlights that the highest forms of media participation may not always be the most empowering, and instead, promoting dialogue through partnership is crucial. Ultimately, it calls on professional journalists to embrace the new radical role by critically examining their power and being open to sharing or giving it up for the benefit of marginalized voices.