Yolanda: A Traumatic Assignment for Reporters: Review of Yolanda News Coverage (the following are unedited posts of students on “Fair, Foolish, or in an Ethical Fix, Nov. 26”: On Media Content of Disaster-Reporting in the last two weeks
“The link above will direct you to the episode of the show “Reporter’s Notebook” which documented the aftermath of the believed to be the strongest typhoon to ever hit land recorded on the planet. The show gave variety of details from the coverage of the landfall, the situation after it, who were the victims, scientific consultation as well as how the government responded to it. However, at around 10:38 of the video, a woman who was bawling over the death of her child and one relative, has been interviewed and interfered by the news reporter. The woman was lost for words. The next thing that caught my attention was at around 11:07 when a man has been shown carrying the remains of his own daughter. The child was still on the hands of the man while the reporter interviews him regarding the cause of death and the camera looks like a bee following them.
“These two ethical issues are too disturbing, not just that it did not follow the procedure of interviewing victims of disasters and covering traumatic events in the community, but it simply looked too gory and disturbing for the viewers to see someone being interviewed holding a corpse. On “Tragedies and Journalists” article for effective disaster coverage, it is stated that a reporter must give respect, dignity and sensitivity to the victims when trying to get an interview. It is just too insensitive to interfere the private grief of the woman who lost her child, and also to get an interview from a father when he doesn’t even settled the remains of his child yet was so demeaning. The article (Tragedies and Journalists) also established the idea, that when images are enough to speak for the situation, there is no need to initiate questions for an interview or statements for description. Images in a disaster speaks so much that it sometimes doesn’t need to be supported by words, it is just so genuine that it does not require an explanation. Also the show failed to put a boundary on what the public has to know basically. They overwhelmed the viewers (community) by images whether public or private, carelessly taken, which may result to disturbance of the viewers as it did to me.”
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By 2011-50258
“Based on the coverage of the devastating aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the report of Jiggy Manicad really caught my attention. He interviews a man holding his six-year old daughter who appears to be lifeless in her father’s arms. Reflected in the father’s eyes are confusion and utter grief which talks by itself with or without the questions posed by Manicad. At first, I was dismayed that this man who has gone through so much trauma was interviewed because the image of him holding his daughter says so much visually than verbally. It is very easy to say that this was a definitive form of bad practice especially those who were not in the areas affected by Yolanda.
“On the other hand, it made me also realize that Manicad and his team were also victims of the super typhoon. Although, Manicad is a professional in his field, and there are certain expectations of him, I think that the devastation left was unimaginable to the minds of many people, Manicad included. I am not saying that we should cut him some slack but more of understanding that he was also in some way a victim of this super typhoon, but all the same the interview should have never taken place. Having a camera in front of a person, as he grieves in the midst of loss and confusion is too much, what more an interview. I hope that Yolanda never happens again, but if it ever happens again I hope that broadcasters and journalists should be more mindful of the state of the victims and other sensibilities.”
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By: Hannah Carmela Quinco on “Volunteers haunted by ruin, deaths”
(excerpted) “ x x x No matter how prepared a journalist or a volunteer may be, they will never know if the images of poverty, murder or any violence might haunt them back that is why it is very important to debrief after news assignments such as crime scenes and disasters. Though a journalist is expected already to know the precautions and proper briefings before going into a disaster area, the effect could still be chilling their spines weeks after they left the area. Though they think they can still continue on reporting, it is a must for reporters not to get attached and stay too long at an area of a tragedy. It might affect his/her psyche and it might do a lot of harm to his/her emotional and mental health. Also speaking of having empathy, journalists must also make sure that they don’t speak of phrases such as “I understand you.” or “He/She will rest in peace.”
“No matter how emotional a scene may get, one must keep his/her composure and act professionally. Media ethics were made to protect not only the ones who are subjects of the new report but likewise, it was made to protect the one who is reporting. It is also very important that every member of the news crew would look out for each other, especially for signs of depression and shock. One must continually remind him/herself that a journalist’s duty does not weigh more that one’s own mental and emotional health. “
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By Cza Guerra on Love Añover’s visible trauma (meltdown). BT: Love Añover, isinalaysay ang naranasan noong kasagsagan ng Bagyong Yolanda (YouTube.com)
“The sad truth is that compared to other professionals who are often present in times of emergency and/or disaster, reporters receive the least attention in terms of their health. While it is standard protocol for reporters to be properly briefed prior to being dispatched to cover a potentially stressful event to ensure that they are both emotionally and mentally prepared for what they are bound to witness, and given proper counseling afterward for the sake of their health, this does not seem to be happening. Breaking down is inevitable, it is human to do so. What I find aptly alarming, however, is the lack of concern towards news reporters’ wellbeing. In addition to this, there is something inherently wrong with the idea of networks taking advantage of their emotional reactions to gain an edge in producing the best sob story. Clearly this is unethical because a news coverage should be about the news, and not about the people reporting; reporters should merely serve as the medium by which stories are conveyed, and not the story themselves.”
“The article published by GMA News last November 22, 2013 entitled “At the Tacloban astrodome, refugees find a home in ruined bars”, exhibited ethical disaster reporting. The writer considered the emotions of the people who are suffering from the aftermath of the typhoon that she decided to write about something that can uplift the morale of each citizen in Tacloban and other affected areas. Instead of focusing and emphasizing on the tragic loss of many victims, she took the time to highlight the optimism of these victims. The woman named Florentina serves as a hope for everyone; she symbolizes joy amidst all the distress because she’s able to think about the upcoming Holiday season. The content of the article also gives its readers concise amount of information—starting from a brief background of Florentina’s life before the typhoon, their experiences during the typhoon, until the way she coped after the typhoon.
“This article is especially appealing to me because it provides hope not only for the victims but for the readers as well. It did not only tackle the effects of the strongest typhoon to date; it also discusses how the people are preparing for Christmas despite the recent calamity. The photo used in the said writing is also very effective because it simply shows the woman slightly smiling beside her makeshift decorated living room. It shows how people are trying their best to live normally, like how they lived before Yolanda hit; and how they will be able to bounce back from this disaster. The information relayed through this report provides a way for people to see the good after a devastating event, which is one of the factors that entail having ethical journalism background. If all reporters and journalists could always deliver their news in a lighter note rather than reiterating the tragedy, then the consumers could be more appreciative of the media. By:-2012-79263”
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.By : Aimee Christine Galang
“This picture (image)
first went viral on Facebook, but is now unavailable. I found it again on blogs like stef dela cruz’s, red tani’s and adrian pantonial’s. Basically, it’s “CNN’s statement about the Filipinos being resilient etc” which apparently turns out to be fake. It never came from CNN, but from a commenter on their site. And I have the same experience and sentiments as the bloggers linked.
Reaction: (image)
“It makes people who reposted it look stupid. (Of course I didn’t) Let’s forgive each other for partly believing. Surely, you doubted it all along now right?
“I could write on the angle that netizen’s seem to have lacked critical thinking, or another that blames misattribution (because, you know, …CNN). But I’d rather save us time and be parallel to my ethics class.
“With this incident, the very first and I believe to be the most important ethical code has been violated.[1] The lesson to learn is to always validate your sources, just as any journalist should. We should all be responsible users who share information abiding by the principle of truth. This is most tricky on the internet though. Just make sure whatever you’re reposting comes from a reliable someone/something, otherwise, please enlighten your audience.
“And really, don’t make a picture of someone’s comment and put some other’s logo on it, and share publicly for the whole world to also share publicly. To whoever did that: no need to come clean, doesn’t matter if you mean well. I’d like the attention back to helping victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.
“[1] I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly. Philippine Press Institute Journalism Code of Ethics
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By Rica Angela Aquino) on women’s magazine collecting slightly used lipstick as Yolanda relief drive
“The article, entitled: “They need a lift: Give makeup to teachers in Yolanda areas” is a beauty drive organized by a fashion and beauty blogger and an editor for a woman’s magazine. They intend to collect slightly used or better, brand new lipstick and other beauty products those for skincare and haircare. This they said, would boost a woman’s confidence. The drive is for teachers who we call heroes because despite the tragedy, they still are teaching in some areas in Tacloban. This beauty drive, they hope would make them feel better.
“Yolanda, being the strongest typhoon in the whole world, caused major destructions and by major, I mean, up to the point where Tacloban might no longer have people living there. The increasing number of dead bodies as well as those who were injured have brought a rush of relief goods from all over the world, from canned goods, to bottled water and even rice, which they could not cook even because of no electricity. And now that the calamity is in its 3rd week toward recovery, relief goods have taken new form – from panties, to chargers, to books, to stuffed toys, and now even, the lipstick.
“It actually sounds funny at first to give out lipsticks to the survivors of the typhoon especially when Filipinos value simplicity. To some, it may be impractical since the aftermath is supposed to bring about grief and looking good at this time isn’t the right time. Yes, the initiative is very thoughtful for the teachers and even empowering for these heroic women. But then, I ask the question, why only for the teachers? We bring about women empowerment but they limit it to the chosen ones. What about the women who are also working such as journalists, airport workers, port workers?
“Second question, what about women who wont get these lipsticks? And how about the right to choose, how about those who opt not to?
“Do we already say that they wont feel better?
“third question, is this the only way to ‘lift’ a woman’s spirit in times of a calamity? I certainly think not.
“Another issue is the issue of the right to safety. Since they are collecting slightly used products and these are things used for our bodies, considering that other women have allergies and for hygienic purposes’ sake, shouldn’t they ensure the safety of these women?
“There is a also a conflict of interest with the people behind the beauty drive since they are both working in businesses that are say trending and are for women right now, they may have the best intentions to help women like them but isn’t it also inevitable that they may be after a say a partnership with a beauty brand? or a good impression to readers? Maybe, maybe not.
“And lastly, this article focuses on that lipstick, that tiny lipstick tube which women like us might have ignored or may have not. But then bottom line is, this actually makes that product needed by society because it gives the notion of giving a woman confidence which may just be… a state of mind after all.”
Tips on writing human interest stories while reporting on earthquakes & other tragedies
(continued from yesterday’s post: Covering earthquakes and other tragedies/ Reporting on earthquakes)
From: “Tragedies & Journalists” published by the Dart Center, a project of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, written by Joe Hight and Frank Smyth (Joe Hight is the president of the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma’s Executive Committee; led a team of The Oklahoman reporters that covered the 1995 Oklahoma bombing; the coverage won several national awards; Frank Smyth is a free-lance journalist , contributor to “Crimes of War: What the Public Should Know”, edited by Roy Gutman & David Rieff; Washington representative of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists.)
“II. Writing About Victims
(blog admin’s note: this section is about writing a human-interest-piece on someone who was killed in the disaster: Don’t write it like a police report: give us an idea of who this person was from the eyes of those who knew him/her most; use imagery, but be accurate with your facts).
“Tips for writing about victims:
“1.Focus on the person’s life. Find out what made the person special: personality, beliefs, environment (surroundings, hobbies, family and friends), and likes and dislikes. Treat the person’s life as carefully as a photographer does in framing a portrait.
“2.Always be accurate. Check back with the victim or victim’s representative to verify spellings of names, facts and even quotes. The reason: When you first talk to a victim (or survivor – blog admin), he or she may be confused or distracted. Double-checking can ensure accuracy. It also may provide you with additional information and quotes that you can use.
“3.Use pertinent details that help describe victims as they lived or provide images of their lives. Example: “Johnny loved to play the guitar in the evening to entertain his family, but it also helped him escape the stress of his job as a sheriff’s deputy.”
“4.Avoid unneeded gory details about the victims’ deaths. After the Oklahoma City bombing, certain reporters chose not to reveal that body parts were dangling from the trees near the federal building. Ask yourself whether the images are pertinent or will do unnecessary harm to certain members of your readership or broadcast audience.
“Also, avoid words and terms such as “closure,” “will rest in peace” or “a shocked community mourns the death.” Use simple and clear words as good writers do for any story.
“5.Use quotes and anecdotes from the victim’s relatives and friends to describe the person’s life. Especially those that tell how the person had overcome obstacles. Seek current photos of the victim (but always return them as soon as possible). This way, you know what the person looked like in life.
“III. Your Community
(“A community is much more than a mass killing or disaster.”)
“Tips for covering traumatic events in your community:
“1.Understand that your coverage of a traumatic event will have an impact on your readership, viewers or listeners. Remember that the tone of your coverage may reflect the tone of the community’s reaction to it. Thus, you should establish policies that affect your coverage: “For example, consider coverage of public memorial services for the victims, instead of private funerals. And, if you do cover private services, call the funeral home to ensure that you will not intrude.
“2.Write stories about the victims’ lives and their effect on your community. These are short stories about the victims, their favorite hobbies, what made them special, and the ripple effect of their lives. In many cases, victims’ relatives want to talk when they realize that the reporter is writing these types of stories. In 1995 after the Oklahoma City bombing, The Oklahoman called these stories “Profiles of Life.” The Oklahoman also did “Profiles of Life” after the record F-5 tornado outbreak in May 1999 that killed 44 people and the plane crash in January 2000 that killed the 10 members of the Oklahoma State University basketball team and staff. After the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack, The New York Times called its short stories about the victims “Portraits of Grief.” The Asbury Park Press called its stories “In Tribute.” These short stories can be published daily in a similar format until all of the victims have been featured. They sometimes lead to bigger stories, too.
“3.Provide forums on what people are thinking, especially words of encouragement. Offer lists for ways people can help and how they have helped. Frank M. Ochberg, M.D., executive committee chairman of the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma, says, “Journalists and therapists face similar challenges when they realize their subjects are at risk of further injury. Techniques may differ, but objectives are the same: to inform about sources of help.”
“4.Find ways people are helping, including acts of kindness, and report on them throughout the recovery process. This may provide hope for the community.
“5.Constantly ask these questions: What does the public need to know and how much coverage is too much? When does a medium become infatuated with a story when the public is not? A community is much more than a mass killing or disaster. The coverage must reflect that.
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(to be continued. hope this is useful. can’t post right now, checking and re-checking papers, will submit grades in a few days…)
