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
Surviving 9/11
This tenth anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, for all its potential to reawaken a painful past, also moves personal loss into collective historical memory. That can be a painful process but also offers a moment for reflection and the creation of new meanings.
Covering Hurricanes: Before, During and After the Storm
On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, lessons from a newsroom that anticipates disaster every summer.
No Refuge Between Bricks and Batons
One incident of a journalist being attacked quickly turned to two, then three, then five.
Reporting Riots in Real Time
Twitter streams built up a faster picture than London's news organizations could manage.
In a Tornado's Path: Reporting the Spring Storm Season
Spring storms have spawned hundreds of tornados and claimed hundreds of lives in southern and midwestern states. The latest storm, on May 22, has devastated Joplin, Missouri. And the season's not over yet. Here are resources to help cover the tragic consequences of extreme weather.
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.