Psychologist Elenoa Lesuma has urged local journalists to implement “trauma-informed” reporting practices when covering incidents of crime or death, highlighting the potential for irresponsible reporting to exacerbate trauma. During an appearance on FBC TV’s Your Voice program, Lesuma underscored the necessity for reporters to comprehend the complex nature of trauma, which can serve to protect both their sources and audiences, as well as their own mental health.
Lesuma pointed out that the framing and dissemination of news can inadvertently trigger emotional distress, emphasizing that journalists have an ethical obligation to ensure their reporting does not add to the suffering of those involved. “As practitioners, as journalists, you have an ethical duty to ensure that you try and do no further harm to not only your source, but also you as a journalist,” she remarked, advocating for increased awareness of the impact of their work on viewers and readers.
In support of this initiative, Felix Chaudhary, General Manager for News at the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, reinforced the importance of support systems within newsrooms, particularly when journalists encounter harassment or threats during their reporting. He noted, “In the past, there have been many cases of journalists being harassed, threatened, beaten because they chose to ask hard questions.” Chaudhary emphasized that it is essential for journalists to feel secure, with full backing from their newsrooms and access to counseling resources.
He stressed that strong leadership and open dialogue within newsrooms are critical for helping reporters navigate the emotional toll of traumatic assignments while maintaining their commitment to asking challenging questions essential to public discourse. This approach not only protects the well-being of journalists but also serves the broader community by promoting responsible reporting practices.
The call for trauma-informed journalism reflects a growing recognition of the ethical and emotional responsibilities that come with reporting, aiming to foster a more compassionate and responsible media landscape.
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