Disaster Journalism Norms
Summary
Disaster coverage should inform the public without turning victims’ pain into content or repeatedly forcing them to relive trauma. Journalists and media outlets are urged to practice trauma-informed reporting, respect consent, and avoid sensational headlines, thumbnails, and intrusive interviews.
Key Points
- Disaster journalism must balance public interest with the dignity and psychological safety of victims.
- Repeated interviews and intrusive filming can retraumatize survivors and turn suffering into a commodity.
- Media workers should use trauma-informed reporting, obtain informed consent, and respect refusals.
- Editors and audiences both play a role in discouraging sensational content and exploitation of tragedy.
