Tips & Tools

Tragic Anniversaries

The “anniversary story” is a staple of the news business. And anniversaries of tragedy can be resonant events for survivors and communities. But what is responsible coverage? How are anniversary stories different from breaking news?  When does anniversary coverage promote healing – and when does it open old wounds?

 

Dart Resources

  • Dart Award Winner

    Living 9/11

    By Marianne McCune, Emily Botein, Karen Frillmann, Chris Bannon, Courtney Stein, Sanda Htyte, Kaari Pitkin, Eric Leinung, Jillian Suarez, Erin Reeg, Norhan Basuni, John Ellis, Fred Mogul, Beth Fertig, Andy Lanset, Paul Schneider, and Jim Briggs III

    This radio special uses a mix of archival recordings and interviews with dozens of ordinary people to help listeners understand the emotional impact of the traumatic event, ten years later. Originally broadcast by WNYC and presented by PRX in August, 2011.

  • In Depth

    Surviving 9/11

    By Robert Jay Lifton, M.D. and Charles B. Strozier

    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.

  • In Depth

    Beyond Bloody Sunday

    In the wake of a landmark report about Bloody Sunday, one journalist's reflections on Northern Ireland's past and future.

  • Behind the Story

    After Katrina: The Gulf Carries On

    By John Pope

    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.

  • Tip Sheet

    Black Saturday: One Year Later

    By Cait McMahon

    As the anniversary of Australia's worst peacetime disaster approaches, expert guidance on how to reflect without retraumatising.

More Features »

Outside Resources

  • Covering the 9/11 Anniversary

    Poynter Online

    A set of resources from David Shedden at the Poynter Institute related to the September 11th attacks.

  • Information for the Media

    International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

    An excellent compilation of general information, fact sheets, and specialized trauma resources for journalists and media professionals.

  • 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.

  • 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.

All Tips & Tools

  • Covering Columbine

    This documentary, available online and on DVD, examines the impact of the news coverage of the Columbine High School shootings.

    Request Copies