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

  • 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.

  • Video Interview

    Deadly Decisions

    By Bruce Shapiro

    In a Katrina-flooded hospital, doctors injected patients with painkillers and sedatives. Were they trying to ease their pain or to speed their deaths? ProPublica reporter Sheri Fink tells the story.

  • Special Report

    Covering School Shootings

    Student journalists and advisers from Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University show how they reported on mass-casualty attacks on their campuses. Video, timelines and tip sheets for student journalists and educators.

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

Publications for Topic

  • Covering Columbine

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

    Request Copies