This column is part of the Indianapolis Public Editor project , a pilot program designed to test whether the presence of a public editor who analyzes local coverage can elevate audience trust in journalism and promote media literacy.

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, some local newsrooms across the country started to make changes in how they cover people of color. Many promised to use fewer mugshots in their reporting. Journalists acknowledged that they were part of the problem. By publishing mugshots, which were disproportionately of Black and brown people, local news reports were amplifying harmful and inaccurate stereotypes.

In 2026, newsroom practices vary across the industry. Indianapolis TV stations have revised their mugshot policies in recent years in an effort to minimize unnecessary harm. I spent a couple of weeks watching the local 6 a.m.…