Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

In this April 2 article penned for Melbourne's Press Club, Brett McLeod, a seasoned reporter and 2010 Dart Center Ochberg Fellow, responds to the common accusation that all journalists exploit the misfortune of others, especially after large-scale traumatic events:

Most journos go about their job with a degree of empathy and consideration for what’s appropriate behaviour. It is far from easy, and sometimes the very act of turning up is enough to cause anger and distress. Any journalist who has been verbally or physically abused in trying to speak to a grieving family will know the guilt that comes with just being there.

Read the complete article here.

In conjunction with Dart Centre Australasia, McLeod produced "News Media and Trauma," a video featuring a wide range of Australian journalists recounting experiences and lessons learned covering traumatic stories. You can watch the full video online here.

To read McLeod's comments about covering the Bangkok Red Shirt protests in May of 2010, click here.