Mark H. Massé

On Friday, September 9 journalists covering a riot at the Israeli embassy in Cairo (Egypt) were attacked by a mob. Though no life-threatening injuries were reported, the targeting of news media is common in conflict zones. Such violence peaked during the Iraq War when scores of international reporters were assaulted, kidnapped and murdered.

Even experienced reporters in N.Y. and Washington, D.C., were shocked by events of 9/11 and uncertain how to respond to victims and their loved ones. Some spoke of being overwhelmed by their emotions during interviews. Others were concerned about exploiting the tragic situation. The trauma of 9/11 made recovery difficult for journalists and interaction with family and friends problematic. Read More 

When newsrooms are covering difficult and emotional trying stories, editors can offer support via email outreach as well as personal contact. In the days following 9/11, Henry Freeman, editor, The Journal News, used self-disclosure to connect with his staff, sending out e-mails in which he talked about his own emotions and the impact of the tragedy on the metro N.Y. community. He urged reporters to treat victims’ families with dignity and to take care of themselves. Read More 

Internationally, more journalists are murdered in retaliation for their investigative stories than are killed in war or conflict scenarios. Mexico is now one of the world's most dangerous countries for reporters due to drug-related violence. Criminals and repressive regimes target journalists to block news coverage.

Anniversaries of tragic events trigger emotional and often traumatic responses of people and entire communities. News media should take care to ensure that commemorative coverage doesn't cause undo harm. Stories should focus on updates and recovery and not on recalling negative "old" news.

When interviewing victims, journalists are susceptible to secondary trauma effects, similar to transference in therapeutic encounters. Former Dart Center president Joe Hight refers to a "wall of grief" that may face reporters covering tragedies: http://dartcenter.org/content/wall-effect-in-covering-victims

Journalism educators use crisis simulations and role playing to prepare students for interviewing trauma victims. Realistic exercises at U.S. and European universities include crime, disaster and terrorism scenarios. Community partners often include police and fire departments, plus health care and funeral home staffs.

Major news organizations routinely send their war correspondents and those covering crises/conflicts for week-long survival skills and first-aid training. Most of these courses are run by former British military personnel. Journalists claim such hostile-environment training can help save lives.

When journalists cover court trials where detailed evidence of murders or other violent crimes is presented, they are subject to troubling psychological effects. Similar emotional impact may be experienced by video news production staff who spend extended periods editing graphic footage.

Interviewing victims in crisis situations may re-traumatize these individuals. Journalists should be empathetic and cognizant of people's emotional states. The key is to avoid pressuring sources or asking insensitive questions such as: How do you feel?