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Reporting trauma
The document discusses the ethical challenges journalists face when covering traumatic events and violence. It notes that extensive exposure to violence is common both in media and real life. When reporting on crime and violence, journalists are encouraged to give equal attention to victims' lives and stories, avoid further traumatizing victims, and take care of their own mental health and well-being when dealing with traumatic content. The goal is for journalists to thoughtfully report on violence while preventing further harm.
Reporting trauma
- 2. Covering Trauma Being ethical, staying safe
- 3. Exposure to trauma Publichealth officials regard violence as an epidemic Studies suggest extensive exposure 40 to 80 percent of population has experienced a traumatic event Perhaps a quarter of those exposed suffer emotional injury William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 4. Exposure to trauma Morecentral to our existence than we acknowledge Prime time television: five to six violent acts each hour Children’s programs more violent (by 18 years of age 200,000 acts of violence) William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 5. Topics on TVNews Local National 50% 41% 38% 36% 25% 26% 24% 21% 13% 12% 10% 7% 7% 6% 5% 4% 0% Crime Gov & Politics Foreign/Mil Disasters Business Other Project for Excellence in Journalism 2003
- 6. Crime Trend Local TV News Network TV News 24% 21% 19% 18% 7% 4% 3% 3% 1999 2000 2001 2003 Project for Excellence in Journalism
- 7. Trauma & Journalism “Iftruth is the first casualty of war, privacy is the first casualty of any devastating, unexpected event.” Crime as a formula for news Live television coverage exacerbates situation Media portrays escalating crime at a time crime rate has actually fallen William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 8. Television News Violence isthe currency of competition Emphasis is on crimes and events – not punishments or outcomes The accused dominate stories, victims fade from view Violence explained simplistically William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 9. Journalists also affected Oncedisguised by a code of professionalism Many now acknowledge pain and suffering
- 10. Journalists also affected Oncedisguised by a code of professionalism Many now acknowledge pain and suffering
- 11. Trauma & Journalism How do journalists usefully report violence to audience already saturated by violent media? What are the personal and professional costs of trading in injuries of hurts of other humans? William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 12. Trauma & Journalism How do journalists usefully report violence to audience already saturated by violent media? What are the personal and professional costs of trading in injuries of hurts of other humans? William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 13. Premise News can tiethe victim and the public together constructively through the rigor of thoughtful reporting practices Journalists can act humanely toward victims while adhering to the traditional values of journalism William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 14. Premise News can tiethe victim and the public together constructively through the rigor of thoughtful reporting practices Journalists can act humanely toward victims while adhering to the traditional values of journalism William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 15. Ethical goals 1. Searchresponsibly for the truth 2. Keep the public interest in mind 3. Care for the people in the story and others close to them 4. Respect the voices of people at the center of an event 5. Know that storytellers are also at risk 6. Do no harm William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 16. Journalistic treatment of criminals & victims Do not glamorize the criminal Give victim “equal space” Not minutes or column inches Fair, thoughtful, humane Recognize that the trauma victim has become a different person William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
- 17. Concern for victims Re-examine assumption that reporters must interview all victims and that photographers must capture video & audio of all victims Make choice between preventing harm and causing harm William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence
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- 19. Interviewing victims • Treat victim with dignity and respect – Know when and how to “back off” • Clearly identify yourself – Don’t be surprised if you receive a harsh reaction (particularly from parents of child victims) – Do not respond with your own harsh reaction Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.
- 20. Interviewing victims • You can say you’re sorry for the person’s loss • Never say “I understand” or “I know how you feel.” – Do not be surprised with response “Sorry isn’t good enough.” • Don’t start with the hardest question. – “Can you tell me about Jerry’s life?” – “What did Jerry like to do?” • Listen Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.
- 21. Interviewing victims • When interviewing relatives of a missing person emphasize you seek to profile their lives before the person went missing – not an obituary. • Leave your card in case they want to talk later. Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.
- 22. Covering Tragedy Writingthe story
- 23. Writing about victims • Focus on the person’s life • Always be accurate – Double check (victims may be confused or distracted when you first talk to them) • Use details that describe victims as they lived • Avoid unneeded gory details about the victims’ death Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.
- 24. Writing about victims • Avoid the following words and terms: – “closure” – “will rest in peace” – “a shocked community mourns the death...” • Instead, use simple and clear words • Use quotes and anecdotes from victims friends and relatives to describe the person’s life • Borrow (and quickly return) current photos of the victim Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.
- 25. Covering Tragedy Thevisual story
- 26. The visual story • Journalists often are the first to arrive on the scene – Be aware of dangerous situations – Be ready for harsh reactions from law enforcement and public – Stay calm – Leave scene if too dangerous Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.
- 27. The visual story • If you record bloody images, ask yourself whether these are important enough for historical purposes or too graphic for your readers and viewers • Do everything possible to avoid violating someone’s private grieving – Distinguish between emotion at public scenes and a private grieving process on private property Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.
- 28. Covering Tragedy Journalists asfirst responders
- 29. Journalists as firstresponders • Know your limits • Take breaks • Realize that you are a human being who must take care of your mind • Find a sensitive listener • Talk about your experience, admit your emotions • Seek comfort from the Gospel • If necessary, seek professional counseling Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.
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