“It’s Not Hate but … ”: Marginal Categories in Rural Journalism

Journalists who cover rural areas in the United States say they are afraid to report on hate groups, and this fear is exacerbated by close community ties limited resources among journalists. We examine concept of “hate speech” as a boundary object, analyzing in-depth interviews with U.S. journalists reporting communities (n = 33) better understand how hate. find that articulate clear definition for speech but struggle apply events within their communities, even numerous forms often dismissed acts using residual category “not hate, … ” signal something felt was out place or unsuitable did not rise legal thus worth on. This approach ends up challenging journalists’ normative commitments exemplifies desire avoid an objectivity trap.