Thank you for keeping all of us informed in these difficult times. We are trying to give practical advice to all journalists covering all of the stricken countries, one of our members, the Dart Centre for journalism & trauma has posted the following information on their website: Trauma Awareness for Journalists covering Tsunamis as well as numerous other directly relevant tips and advice:
Covering Disasters
• Like police, firefighters, paramedics and others, journalists often arrive on the scene minutes after disaster strikes. Like other first responders, journalists should be mindful of their own safety.
• If possible, find out the nature of the situation before arriving on the scene. Are hazardous materials involved? First responders may have shared this information among themselves but may not have considered notifying journalists.
• After you arrive on the scene, find out who is in charge of the emergency-response operation. Track down the public-information officer.
• Be cautious when approaching people who may have been traumatized. Carefully explain who you are and what you're doing. "Hello, I'm a reporter with ..."
• After introducing yourself, start with a question such as "Are you okay?" The answer will give you a sense of the person's mental state.
• Avoid eye-witness accounts by those still in shock and numb from the experience or by those who are openly grieving.
• If they seem like they might be well enough for an interview, ask them something like "Is it okay if I ask you a few questions for my story?"
• If they don't seem well enough for an interview, consider giving them your business card and say "If you think you might be able to help me with my story, give me a call."
• Disaster-relief organizations such as the Red Cross may be helpful with providing information or arranging contact with victims who would like to speak with news media.
• Victims may ask you for help. Be careful not to promise help if you're not prepared to follow through.
• If you witnessed a traumatic scene, find a way to relax within a day or two. If you have a favorite stress-reduction technique (exercise, yoga, art, etc), do it.
• It's common to experience emotional distress in the weeks after witnessing a traumatic event. If the distress doesn't subside over time, however, you ought to consider seeking professional help.
Interviewing Victims and Families
• Journalists can help victims and survivors tell their stories in ways that are constructive, and in ways that make for great journalism.
• Sometimes you can't avoid intruding upon someone in grief. If you can't postpone your contact, remember to be sensitive and respectful in your approach.
• "I'm sorry for your loss," is a good way to start the conversation.
• Don't assume a victim or family member won't want to talk; often they are eager to share their story and memories with a journalist.
• If someone doesn't want to talk to you, be respectful and polite. And don't forget to leave your business card; at some point, the person may decide to talk to a reporter, and they will likely call the one that made the best impression.
• Make sure the person understands the terms of the interview. Tell them: "This is an interview for a story I'm writing. Your quotes will appear in the newspaper along with your name." Remind them of the terms periodically.
• Pay attention to your own emotions during the interview and let your reactions inform your reporting (while remaining professional). If you find something emotionally stirring, chances are readers will, too.
