4.2 Reporting on acts of violence, including mass shootings and terrorism

Reporting on violence demands careful consideration of ethical guidelines and potential consequences. Journalists must balance accurate coverage with minimizing harm, avoiding sensationalism, and respecting victims. Responsible reporting verifies information, provides context, and adheres to legal and ethical standards.

Trauma-informed interviewing techniques prioritize the safety and well-being of survivors and witnesses. Journalists should seek informed consent, avoid re-traumatization, and provide resources for ongoing support. In-depth reporting on root causes and amplifying expert voices can contribute to understanding and preventing future violence.

Ethical Guidelines for Reporting Violence

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics

• Emphasizes accuracy, minimizing harm, acting independently, and being accountable and transparent
• Verifying information from multiple reliable sources
• Avoiding sensationalism or glorification of perpetrators
• Respecting the privacy and dignity of victims and their families
• Providing context and analysis to help the public understand the broader issues at play

Responsible Reporting on Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings

• Adhering to ethical guidelines regarding the presumption of innocence, protection of sources, and respect for due process
• Being mindful of the potential impact of reporting on public safety, national security, and community healing
• Striving to provide balanced, fact-based coverage that serves the public interest
• Taking steps to minimize risks of reporting being used as propaganda or inspiring copycat crimes through responsible framing and contextualizing of events (Columbine High School massacre, 9/11 attacks)

Risks of Glorifying Perpetrators

Inadvertent Glorification and Inspiration of Copycat Attacks

• Excessive or sensationalized media coverage can inadvertently glorify perpetrators' actions and provide a platform for their ideology
• Reporting that focuses disproportionately on the perpetrator's background, motives, or manifesto can distract from the human impact of the violence and the needs of the affected community
• Irresponsible reporting can inspire copycat attacks or hero worship among vulnerable individuals (Christchurch mosque shootings, Unabomber)

Spread of Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories

• In the immediate aftermath of a violent event, information is often incomplete or inaccurate
• Journalists must be cautious about reporting unverified claims or speculation that could contribute to the spread of misinformation or conspiracy theories
• Social media can be a source of rumors, hoaxes, and propaganda that journalists must carefully vet before amplifying (Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Pizzagate)
• Irresponsible reporting can contribute to a climate of fear, division, and mistrust, hindering efforts to promote public understanding and constructive dialogue about underlying causes and potential solutions

Trauma-Informed Interviewing Techniques

Prioritizing Safety, Privacy, and Well-Being of Survivors and Witnesses

• Recognizing the impact of violence on individuals and communities
• Seeking to minimize the risk of re-traumatization or further harm through sensitive, empathetic, and respectful engagement with sources
• Obtaining informed consent before conducting interviews or using their stories
• Avoiding graphic or intrusive questions about the details of the violence, focusing instead on the human impact and sources' thoughts, feelings, and experiences

Providing Resources and Ongoing Support

• Training interviewers in active listening, open-ended questioning, and other techniques that allow sources to share their experiences on their own terms and at their own pace
• Providing information about available resources and support services for those affected by violence
• Following up with sources to ensure their ongoing well-being and consent
• Collaborating with mental health professionals, victim advocates, and community leaders to ensure trauma-informed approaches (Boston Marathon bombing, Pulse nightclub shooting)

Responsible Journalism for Understanding Violence

In-Depth, Investigative Reporting on Root Causes

• Providing accurate, contextual, and nuanced reporting on the complex social, political, and cultural factors contributing to acts of violence
• Shedding light on warning signs, risk factors, and systemic failures that may have contributed to a particular act of violence
• Informing efforts to prevent future incidents through evidence-based analysis and reporting (Parkland school shooting, Charleston church shooting)

Amplifying Voices of Experts, Advocates, and Community Leaders

• Using journalism platforms to elevate those working to address root causes of violence, such as mental health, gun violence, extremism, and social inequality
• Counteracting stereotypes, misinformation, and fearmongering that can fuel division and conflict in the aftermath of a violent event
• Promoting empathy, understanding, and solidarity among diverse communities through responsible reporting
• Fostering constructive dialogue and debate about underlying issues to contribute to the development of effective, holistic policies, programs, and interventions for preventing and responding to acts of violence (The Marshall Project, The Trace)