Mark H. Massé

Journalists who have residual psychological effects of covering tragedy and trauma may benefit from articulation, artistic endeavors such as creative writing, drawing and painting. These activities can help in channeling negative emotions associated with a traumatic event.

While other first responders, such as police, fire and military personnel, have mandatory debriefings after tragic (deadly) events, journalists typically follow no such protocol. Trauma experts recommend that news media workers discuss their experiences with colleagues, family and friends, or counselors, if necessary.

College student journalists receive skills training in classrooms and campus publication newsrooms. Faculty advisers serve a vital role, especially during crises. Notable 21st- century examples include efforts at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois Univ.

Experienced journalists may have developed coping techniques to deal with the effects of reporting on tragedy and trauma. But they are still susceptible to the long-term impact of covering dangerous and stressful stories. As trauma researcher Anthony Feinstein notes: “Resilience in the face of adversity is not, however, synonymous with immunity.”

When there are fatalities from crimes, accidents or disasters, young journalists are typically assigned to contact family members. These "death knocks," whether in person or by telephone, are among the most difficult of reporting assignments. Interviews with those grieving the loss of loved ones require preparation, empathy and professionalism.

Journalists covering natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, are also residents of affected communities. They share the same concerns and cope with safety and recovery issues affecting other citizens. Effective disaster reporting requires heightened sensitivity to people's emotions, sources and journalists alike.

The Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma is one of the world's leading advocacy organizations in enhancing critical incident reporting. This week, the Dart Center recognized 10 journalists from the U.S. and internationally to receive Ochberg Fellowships, named for the Center's chairman emeritus. Check: www.dartcenter.org

Trauma journalists work in dangerous, unstable situations even when away from the battlefield as evidenced by recent events in Libya. Those international correspondents who were trapped in the hotel by government troops were in harm's way for several days. Although most were eventually freed, there was at least one reported kidnapping and the murder of a driver. Events like those in Libya may raise public awareness of journalists at risk and the valuable work they provide in bearing witness. Read More 

My new book, TRAUMA JOURNALISM: ON DEADLINE IN HARM'S WAY, will be published in October by Continuum International Publishing. For more information, check the website: www.continuumbooks.com/books/detail.aspx?BookId=157783&SearchType=Basic