language sensitivity

Language sensitivity in writing for the mass media is used to create a safe and comfortable place for all audiences of different races, genders and disabilities. I have never had a problem with this in my writing experience because I have always been taught to write formally. I can see how it may become an issue in news writing because it is so informal and there are many times that we are needed to make a reference to a minority in news stories. I find it hard to remember how each group prefers to be referred to. As media professionals, we have to be very careful to make sure not to use any references that would offend anyone.