Tips & Tools
Disaster
Along with emergency professionals, journalists are often "first responders" when an earthquake or a terrorist attack devastate a community. Large-scale disasters challenge reporters on the ground and newsroom managers alike, both in the midst of a breaking crisis and for months or years afterward.
Dart Resources
Witnessing the Human Cost of Climate Change
At the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum conference June 21-23 in Bonn, Germany, more than 1500 delegates from 95 countries discussed the challenges of reporting climate change. A Dart Centre Europe panel looked at the human consequences of environmental disaster.
Close to Home: Reporting Local Disasters
At the Deutsche Welle Global Media conference in Bonn June 21-23, a Dart Centre Europe-moderated panel, "Witnessing the Human Cost of Climate Change," explored what it takes for local journalists to report on environmental disasters when they have hit their own communities. Part of that discussion focussed on how these reporters can leverage their own local knowledge and empathy to correct unsubstantiated rumour and misreporting. Here is an edited transcript of that section.
After Katrina: The Gulf Carries On
Five years after Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf Coast faces another disaster–the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. A staff writer for The New Orleans Times-Picayune reflects on how lessons from the storm shape coverage of the latest crisis.
Resources for Reporters
An array of resources for journalists on the Gulf Coast and beyond for covering the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Grief in the Gulf
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is different from a war or an earthquake, but the traumatic impact is just as real. The challenge to journalists is to report the slow-motion disaster while seeking stories of resilience and possible recovery.
Outside Resources
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Covering the 9/11 Anniversary
Poynter Online
A set of resources from David Shedden at the Poynter Institute related to the September 11th attacks.
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Terrorism and Disasters
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
A variety of educational materials for clinicians and individuals to use in response to terror attacks around the world.
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Anniversary Reactions to the September 11th Attacks
National Center for PTSD
On the anniversary of traumatic events, some people may find that they experience an increase in distressing memories of the event. This fact sheet examines responses to the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
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In the News Archive
Investigative Reporters and Editors
Resources compiled for past breaking news stories by Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc. Topics include tanker crashes, earthquakes, severe winter storms, building collapses, wildfires and hurricanes.
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Dealing With Disaster
Editor and Publisher
Joe Strupp and Doug Cosper discuss the problems faced by journalists in extreme situations, with emphasis on the challenges faced at the World Trade Center after 9/11.
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Resources for Journalists
National Transportation Safety Board
A brief overview to assist journalists covering the first few days of a National Transportation Safety Board accident investigation.
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For Journalists Covering Transportation Accidents
National Transportation Safety Board
Advice and links to other resources.
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Covering Tragedy
ABC Radio
2007 Ochberg Fellow Lisa Millar talks about trauma journalism on the National Media Report.
All Tips & Tools
Publications for Topic
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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 Columbine
This documentary, available online and on DVD, examines the impact of the news coverage of the Columbine High School shootings.