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| Figure 1: War, Disaster and Trauma Reporting |
"You never feel more alive than when you're possibly about to
die" (Ayres, as cited in Tumber & Webster, 2006, p. 142).
This lecture (week 8) discussed the confronting challengers journalists
must deal with while covering stories of war, disaster and trauma. These
challenges involving heartache, compelling interviews and daunting sights are a
side of journalism very rarely discussed in the media. Throughout the lecture,
a heated debate argued how journalist handled compelling stories overseas. Personally,
if I was asked to report on a story in a developing country I would have to
decline. I know that I couldn't discuss certain topics without my eyes
watering, my heart opening up to families and young children and most of all
take photographs of horrific and graphic scenes. In addition, it is not only
how you personally take the story, but how safe you are in dangers places.
A non-for profit organisation known as Reporters Without Boarders (RSF)
charter journalists safety while reporting in war and dangerous areas. Marie
explained eight principles for the RSF:
- Commitment
- Free Will
- Experience
- Preparation
- Equipment
- Insurance
- Psychological Counselling
- Legal Protection
Journalist Michael Holmes was interviewed with Brooke Baldwin from CNN
about his experiences reporting in war zones. Holmes has completed 11 reporting
rotations in a row, covering conflicts since 1986. He explains that all
journalists understand the circumstances, dangers and challengers of the case we
are putting ourselves into. He has witnessed his friends and fellow employees in
flipped cars with smears of their blood as well as sitting next to his
cameraman who was shot in the head, still here to tell the tale. Holmes
greatest fear was being kidnapped and has a great sense of compassion.
Beyond war reporting however, our class discussed the traumatic issues
and events of reporting on natural disasters, crimes, epidemics, terrorist
attaches and car crashes. When reporting on such issues, it is vital to be ready
for the unexpected, you never know what is going to happen. Such journalists
must have the emotional strength to complete the task and to know when enough
is enough. All issues must be death with
compassion and a caring attitude toward individuals involved within the case,
especially a loss of whatever sort. I have the greatest respect for journalist
that can take on such a huge ask, to work, live and breathe in dangerous areas.
If only it could always be a happy ending.
References
Tumber, H. & Webster, F. (2006). Journalists under fire. Information War and Journalistic Practices
(pp. 142-153). London, England: Sage Publications
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