On November 23, reporters in the Philippines endured the deadliest single attack on journalists anywhere in the world. According to the latest reports, 29 journalists were assassinated along with 28 civilians in Maguindanao province.
Journalists reporting in conflict zones should refer to a new guide for tips on covering conflict and abuse, written by veteran broadcast reporter and current employee of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Jaldeep Katwala.
When violence broke out in Kenya following the nation's highly disputed December 2007 presidential election, concerned Kenyan blogger and activist Ory Okolloh began blogging exhaustively about the situation on the ground and highlighting the concerns and hopes of her people.
6/27/08by Anne Nelson, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and Dr. Daniel Nelson, M.D., University of Cincinnati School of Medicine
The term "primary trauma" applies to individuals who have had first-hand experience of a catastrophic event. It would include those who survived or witnessed a catastrophe as well as those who have lost someone close to them. Telling their story to journalists can be damaging to these individuals, or it can be therapeutic. The journalist has a significant role in determining which of these it will be.
6/27/08by Anne Nelson, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and Dr. Daniel Nelson, MD, University of Cincinnati
Journalists who are exposed to catastrophe may themselves develop symptoms of primary trauma, through experiencing or witnessing disastrous events, or losing someone close to them.
