Anniversaries can be resonant for those who have survived or witnessed tragedies, and journalists may want to trace the path that trauma - and healing - have taken over time. But what is responsible coverage? How are anniversary stories different from breaking news? When does anniversary coverage help individuals and communities process grief, and find meaning and solidarity? And when does it open old wounds?
First of all, I wanted to send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to all those affected by the tragic events in Itaewon. Please know that there are people like me around the world thinking of you and with you now in your time of deep sorrow.
Reporting a community tragedy can impact media workers, their managers, and their loved ones acutely. Those impacts can be potentially immediate, delayed or long-term. As each of these media workers – and their managers – digest the ramifications, personal and professional, of this tragedy, the Dart Centre Asia Pacific is offering some tips and resources that may help them report ethically and safely.
On December 1st, the 2022 Dart Awards honorees participated in a roundtable discussion about their craft, and approach to reporting complex stories.
Reporting Advice from NPR's Chris Benderev