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| REPORTING
IN A CRISIS |
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Covering a major disaster is different from reporting
on routine breaking news. Both require quick thinking and action,
but in a crisis, additional issues and concerns kick in. The following
tips were developed by NewsLab with input from NJ Burkett of WABC-TV
in New York, who covered the 9/11 attacks, the war in Iraq and terrorism
in Israel. |
- Be prepared. Keep credentials with you, always. Carry
change—cell phones may not work, but pay phones might. That's
what happened in New York City on 9/11. Carry a recorder—disk,
DAT or small digital camera--in case you start out alone. Keep a flashlight
in your bag. Burkett carries a light with a head mount that can be used
hands free. He also carries a supply of Cipro.
- Minimize risk. Stay with a partner. It’s not
hard in TV. But radio folks should do it too, if possible. WNYC radio
reporters Beth Fertig and Marianne McCune worked as a team covering
9/11—keeping each other calm, finding eyewitnesses to interview.
Be aware of your surroundings and stay as portable as possible, so you
can move, if you need to.
- Get close (but stay safe). Get away if you have to.
As badly as you want to report the story, one 9/11 reporter says, "You
can’t file if you’re dead.” Assess whether the cops
are blocking you to save your life, or just because. If it’s just
because, find a way in. If covering riots or violence, don’t go
in with a marked vehicle. Keep lights off, if they could endanger you.
Don’t interfere with law enforcement or rescue efforts.
- Stay calm. Don't panic, and don't hype the story.
Choose words carefully. Watch your tone—don’t get too personal
and don’t shout! (More tips
on vocal delivery.) "You are there for the audience,"
Burkett says. "Project an image of authority, strength and credibility."
- Play it straight. Describe what you see. Be clear
and accurate. Avoid language that could enflame a situation or cause
additional stress or panic. At the same time, Burkett warns, "Avoid
offering false hope or a false sense of security."
- Avoid speculation. In a crisis situation, you may
be going live for extended periods with little information. Studies
of live coverage of the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11 found that journalists
reported rumors and used anonymous sources more than they would under
ordinary circumstances. Of course people want to know who was responsible,
but consider the harm if you “guess” on the air.
- Check your sources. Beware of uncorroborated eyewitness
reports. "Report only what you know to be true," Burkett says.
"What you have witnessed or what reliable and credible witnesses
have told you." Even if you saw it yourself, Burkett advises finding
first-hand sources to put on the air.
- Inform as fully as possible. Correct any misinformation
that may have aired or circulated. If you are withholding information
(like SWAT team movements) tell the audience why you are doing so. "Do
not be afraid to admit what you do not know," Burkett says.
- Be compassionate. Think about what impact your words
might have on relatives of victims, and be cautious about giving specific
details on the air that could identify someone. Let people talk, but
know when to stop an interview that may be causing pain. "Do not
appear to enjoy the story," Burkett says, "even if you do.
Remember, the story is not about you."
- Stop and think. What are we missing? What does this
mean? Find a way to add context, as soon as the initial incident is
over.
- Get help. Recognize the impact a disaster has on
you. Burkett admits he was in denial for weeks. "I don't think
you can wall it off," he says. "You'd have to be a stone to
wall it off." More than three years after 9/11, he still finds
it difficult to watch tape from that day, and to talk about his experience.
Take advantage of resources for journalists
coping with trauma.
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