Disaster reporting is crucial for people affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other events.
Being on the front lines, sharing real life stories and engaging with a community after disasters ― as well as keeping an eye on the mental health of the reporters ― was the main topic of discussion at a panel at the Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Tempe on April 25.
These are 3 key takeaways:
Connecting with the people and maintaining those relationships in communities after a disaster is one of the best ways a journalist can tell a story. Yessenia Funes, editor-at-large for Atmos, said sources have repeatedly told her that gathering at community buildings after a disaster and having listening sessions helped those who were affected. Leaning into the emotion of the interviewee and sharing their story will enhance how that story is told.
The enhanced access reporters have at some disaster scenes can give people affected by a disaster more information than they have. That can look like driving down the road with houses burned by a wildfire and sharing pictures or videos with people who live on that street. Doing so can help people plan their next steps after a disaster sooner than they would have.
Prioritizing a journalist’s mental health also is key in disaster reporting, both while the event is occurring and after. Journalists hear real-time stories and hardships of what people have gone through on the worst day of their lives and that can harm their own mental health. Talking to another person ― be it a colleague, family or friend ― about the experience and taking time to prioritize one’s mental health and needs can help journalists.
Nikki Shaw is a junior at Alaska Pacific University, and is part of a student newsroom led by The Arizona Republic.
Coverage of the Society of Environmental Journalists conference is supported by Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism, the University of Arizona, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and the Arizona Media Association.
These stories are published open-source for other news outlets and organizations to share and republish, with credit and links to azcentral.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 3 key considerations for journalists covering natural disasters