Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

Covering Trauma: Impact on Journalists

By River Smith and Elana Newman

An overview of current research on the occupational hazards for journalists covering traumatic events, the risk factors that aggravate those effects and some suggestions for mitigating those factors.

Self-Study Unit 1: Journalism & Trauma

IV. Tips on Interviewing

Because of the nature of news, it is likely that a journalist will have to interview trauma victims in the course of his or her work. Interviewing someone who is under psychological stress is difficult for both the interviewee and the interviewer. As interviewers, journalists can help victims and survivors tell their stories in a way that is constructive.

Conflict/Disaster

A list of academic publications that deal with emergency management, conflict resolution, military psychology and medicine, and peace studies.

Breaking Bad News

VII. Length of Meeting & Endings

You will need to use your judgement how long to stay — and how long the family wants you to be there.

Self-Study Unit 4: The First 24 Hours

The first 24 hours after a traumatic news event may present a journalist with considerable challenges and opportunities, both professionally and personally. The usual physical and psychological demands of trying to gather facts and write a story under deadline are greatly magnified when trauma is involved, especially when a large number of victims are dead or seriously injured (although even a single victim can be difficult to cover).

Covering Children & Trauma

II. Confidentiality

By Ruth Teichroeb

The biggest hurdle when covering tragedies involving children is getting access to information. Stricter confidentiality laws govern everything from their school and hospital records to court and child-welfare files.

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Media Studies

A list of academic publications with emphasis on issues facing journalists.

Self-Study Unit 4: The First 24 Hours

Sources and Resources

Sources and resources for Self-Study Unit 4: The First 24 Hours.

Tragedies & Journalists

I. Interviewing

By Joe Hight and Frank Smyth

Always treat victims with dignity and respect - the way you want to be treated in a similar situation. Journalists will always seek to approach survivors, but reporters should do it with sensitivity, including knowing when and how to back off.

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Self-Study Unit 3: Photography & Trauma

II. Memorable Photographs

One of the best ways to assess the power of photographs is to see some examples. Here are links to web sites that feature award-winning and memorable images that have made an impact on people’s lives.