News adopts clearer language for transgender reporting
A major news updated its style guidelines to use the term “biological sex at birth” when covering transgender issues, according to reports. Tom Burke, the network’s senior director of standards and practices, sent a memo instructing staff to use the phrase without quotation marks. The guidance specifically applies to Supreme Court coverage of state bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Background on the update
A prominent legal correspondent had suggested avoiding terms promoted by advocacy groups. Since Tuesday, the network’s website has used “biological sex at birth” in its stories about the Supreme Court cases.
For example, one article explained, “If a student’s sex is disputed, the law requires the athlete to provide a health examination and consent form that verifies their biological sex at birth.” Another noted that the Supreme Court heard arguments over West Virginia and Idaho laws that assign sports teams based on biological sex at birth, restricting transgender girls and women from competing on teams that match their gender identity.
The correspondent also used the phrase during on-air reporting, signaling a clear editorial change.
Contrast with prior guidance
The move departs from the 2023 Associated Press style guide, which recommended using “sex assigned at birth” instead of “biological sex.” The AP also advised avoiding terms like “biological male” or “biological female,” noting that opponents of transgender rights sometimes misuse them.
Since top editor Bari Weiss took charge, the network has made several editorial changes. These shifts have sparked discussion and criticism among media commentators about the news direction.
