Disaster and Crisis Coverage - International News Safety Institute

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Tips for Dealing with Victims and Survivors One of the toughest decisions for journalists is how to cover victims, survivors, and eyewitnesses to catastrophic events. When crisis strikes, ordinary people find themselves thrust into the media spotlight during one of the most difficult times of their lives. They may be in shock or grieving; they may be waiting to hear about the fate of a loved one. Suddenly, cameras, microphones and tape recorders are being thrust at them. On the other side of the equation, journalists have the responsibility to tell the story and help the public understand the tragic event. How do we balance truth telling with minimizing harm to vulnerable people? International Center for Journalists 46
Disaster and Crisis Coverage The following are tips from media professionals on how to approach victims and survivors: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Calmly and clearly identify yourself before you begin asking questions or filming. The person needs to know who you are and needs to understand that the material could be published or broadcast. Treat each victim with dignity and respect. Journalists walk a fine line: They must be sensitive, but at the same time, must not be timid. Never ask: “How do you feel?” Never say, “I understand how you must be feeling.” It is best to simply introduce yourself and let them know, “I am sorry for your loss.” Or, “I am sorry for what you are going through today.” Start the interview with open-ended questions that gently prod them into telling their story. “When did you learn of this? Who have you spoken to so far?” If a mother has lost a son in a plane crash, it would be appropriate to ask: “Could you tell me about Juan’s life?” Ask survivors what they saw and heard. These questions are non-judgmental and provide a chance for them to tell what they are feeling and thinking. Understand that people react differently in these situations – some withdraw, while others find solace in talking. If the person says no to an interview or becomes emotional about the media pushing for information, back off. Thank them kindly and walk away. Some journalists hand them a business card and say, “In case you would like to talk later” or “Please give me a call if you feel like it.” Give victims a sense of control. Ask if they would be more comfortable sitting or standing during the interview or whether they would like to go somewhere else, away from the chaos to talk. A kind gesture might be, “Is there someone you would like present?” In their pioneering book, “Covering Violence: A Guide to Ethical Reporting About Victims and Trauma,” Roger Simpson and William Cote portray journalists as models of efficiency, hurrying among police, emergency workers, and bystanders to get the story. They have a mission and know how to do their jobs. It is dramatically different for those in crisis who have just had their world turned upside down. They don’t fully understand what has happened; they are subject to the orders and direction of others and can do little to gain personal control over the chaotic situation. Simpson and Cote offer these tips: 47
Page 1 and 2: Disaster and Crisis Coverage By Deb
Page 3 and 4: About the Authors Deborah Potter De
Page 5 and 6: About the International Center for
Page 7 and 8: Disaster and Crisis Coverage 4 Natu
Page 9 and 10: Disaster and Crisis Coverage Recogn
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Page 18 and 19: vulnerable to longer-term droughts,
Page 20 and 21: Newsroom start-up guide It’s amaz
Page 22 and 23: Newsroom back-up planning When a di
Page 24 and 25: Personal preparation A crisis, by d
Page 26 and 27: a hurricane, journalists should ens
Page 28 and 29: Information gathering Who will work
Page 30 and 31: Reporting a crisis Stay calm. Be cl
Page 32 and 33: ✦ Intelligence/national response:
Page 34 and 35: www.journalistsatrisk.org/safety_ti
Page 36 and 37: set up a blog “to preserve the st
Page 38 and 39: Journalism and trauma Introduction
Page 40 and 41: What is traumatic stress? A terribl
Page 42 and 43: ✦ Irritability ✦ Sleeplessness
Page 44 and 45: According to the American Psychiatr
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Page 52 and 53: Coaching through crisis News manage
Page 54 and 55: Case Study: Editor reaches out Afte
Page 56 and 57: ✦ If distress continues past thre
Page 58 and 59: Notes International Center for Jour
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