Award-winning coverage of any news event – whether or not it involves trauma – often requires the work of more than one person. The Dart Award encourages entrants to consider the team of journalism professionals who contributed to making the story a success. Although the journalist with a byline on the article may get the most credit for the story, the “total package” of a winning article usually includes reporting, photography, headlines, cutlines, graphics, artwork, layout and so forth.
Think of the total package when writing a story about trauma. How will photographs and other images enhance the story? What artwork is needed? What layout and design considerations need to be addressed? A team of media professionals planning and working together can make the difference between a good story and an outstanding story.
Article Sections
- Best Practices in Trauma Reporting
- The Journalist's Challenge
- The Dart Award
- A Winning Example
- Understanding Trauma
- Analysis Introduction
- Teamwork
- Focus
- Length
- Propinquity and Acts
- Narrative Style
- Social Data
- Sourcing
- International Perspectives
- Time and Energy
- Intention
- Resources and Notes
- Cautionary Notes
- Feedback
- Policy Issues
- Follow-Up
- Layout and Graphics
- Review
- For Further Study
- Self-Care
Kevin Kawamoto
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Kevin Kawamoto, MSW, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the University of Hawaii School of Communications and teaches courses in journalism and multimedia.
Request Publications
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Tragedies & Journalists
A 40-page guide to help journalists, photojournalists and editors report on violence while protecting both victims and themselves.
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Covering Children & Trauma
When children are victims of violence, journalists have a responsibility to report the truth with compassion and sensitivity.