Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

Resources for Covering Natural Disasters

As Hurricane Sandy bears down on the US east coast, the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma is assembling resources for journalists covering the unfolding natural disaster.

Sichuan and Beyond

By Stan Alcorn

One year ago, a massive earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale killed tens of thousands and displaced millions in the Sichuan province of China. In the immediate aftermath, the Chinese government permitted journalists unprecedented access to the devastation. Stories of collapsed schools and miraculous survival brought the world closer to the rural villages of China, but the work took its toll on the storytellers. More »

A Call for Emotional Literacy

A Report From the Hannover Trauma & Journalism Conference

By Maria Benning

Journalists, editors and trauma specialists meeting for Germany’s first-ever conference on trauma and journalism have called for the universal training of journalists in the skills of emotional literacy and trauma awareness.

Trauma und Journalismus—Eine Emotionale Alphabetisierung tut Not

By Maria Benning

Trauma ist griechisch und heißt Wunde. Trauma und Journalismus – ein Thema für verwundete Journalisten also? Für Dünnhäutige und"Weicheier", die den harten Anforderungen der Medienbranche am Ende doch nicht so ganz gewachsen sind? Irrtum. Traumatisiert werden kann jeder. Das ist inzwischen wissenschaftlich nachgewiesen. Ein schreckliches Ereignis kann Berufsanfänger aus der Bahn werfen, aber auch alte Hasen mit 30 Jahren Erfahrung. Der seinem Image nach abgebrühte Kriegsreporter gehört ebenso zur Risikogruppe wie der Lokaljournalist, dessen kleine Welt heil sein soll - und es nicht ist.

Self-Care Amid Disaster

Advice From an Editor Who's Been There

By Joe Hight

Coverage of any disaster, whether it is man-made or natural, can be a difficult venture for a newsroom. While it has been particularly devastating, Hurricane Katrina is similar to other disasters in that it caused death and destruction—and grief for many people.

Unraveling Media and Trauma Connections

By Meg Spratt

Betty Pfefferbaum, winner of the first ISTSS Frank Ochberg Award for Research in Trauma and the Media, discusses what journalists can learn from her research.