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

  • Announcement

    Award for Outstanding Media Contributions to Trauma Psychology

    The APA’s Division 56 is now accepting nominations for outstanding media contributions to trauma psychology. The deadline is April 15, 2013.

  • Dispatch

    Bali's Bombings: Covering Tragedy Ten Years Later

    By Gary Tippet

    A decade after terrorist attacks killed more than 200 people in one day—the deadliest bombings in Indonesia's history—award-winning Australian journalist Gary Tippet recounts his experience interviewing survivors and reflects on the way the media has conducted its retrospectives.  

  • Link List

    The Bali Bombings, Ten Years Later: Resources for Journalists

    Ten years after the deadliest acts of terrorism in Indonesia's history, we take a moment to reflect, and to share resources for journalists covering tragedy all over the world.

  • Exemplary Journalism

    Remembering September 11

    Anniversaries mark progress and the passage of time. They can also conjure memories we may not always want to face. On this anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Dart Center calls attention to a uniquely eloquent journalistic record of the attacks' long aftermath; and to resources available as we seek to better cover, and understand, the longterm effects of horrific events.

  • 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.

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