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• For many, it may be painful to revisit a tragedy years, even decades, later. With that in mind, try to avoid gratuitous retelling of destruction and carnage.
• Focus on victims and survivors. Try telling about how their lives have changed and how they are coping and recovering.
• Try to find people who are processing their trauma in interesting ways and who are willing to tell their stories.
• It may take several years to gain proper perspective on a large-scale tragedy. Anniversary coverage presents an opportunity for journalists to provide context for emotionally searing events.
Dart Center Resources
Reporting Columbine
A series that examines reporting about Columbine on the shooting anniversary from the perspectives of victims, journalists and trauma scientists.
9-11 Anniversary Reactions
Dr. Frank Ochberg discusses psychological issues reporters should consider when covering anniversaries of major tragedies.
View From Northern Ireland
Seamus Kelters offers an international perspective as he considers anniversary coverage of two of Northern Ireland's most deadly national tragedies, the Belfast Blitz in 1941 and the Omagh bombing on Aug. 15, 1998.
Links & Sources
Anniversary Reactions to the September 11 Attacks
National Center for PTSD
Terrorism & Trauma
International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies
What Does the News Industry Need to Know?
International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies
Covering the 9/11 Anniversary
Poynter Online
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