Trauma-Informed Journalism is the Future of Indian News

Watching the news after a disaster, a crime, or a tragedy is so overwhelming at times that we either turn off the tv or avoid talking about it. The images and words can linger in the mind, sometimes making us anxious or even helpless… because what can we do?! Now, think about the people directly involved…the survivors, the families, the witnesses and all the others affected by it. For them, the impact is much deeper. This is where the concept of trauma-informed journalism comes in. Because India has a lot of sensitive cases, it’s becoming important for Indian journalists today to be skilled in this type of journalism. 

What is Trauma-Informed Journalism?

Trauma-informed Journalism is a new term that is starting to gain recognition. It is a practice that originated from the medical community in which being trauma-informed implies knowing that trauma is common and all humans have gone through it at certain points of their lives. However, this type of journalism means to understand the trauma, the perspective of the survivor after that trauma, and knowing how the impact of the coverage will be after you, a journalist, will leave them alone. 

What Is Its Importance in India?

From natural disasters to conflicts between groups of people, and the ongoing issues faced by the poor, Indians have experienced a lot of trauma. How these stories are told can make someone feel better or can make their condition worse. Worrying events in the news may bring fear, sadness, and PTSD-like symptoms to everyone, not only to those who experienced the troubles. For journalists, facing serious risk is a common part of their jobs. According to a study by American Psychological Association, 2023, the majority of journalists may be exposed to distressing circumstances at work, which raises their chance of feeling anxious, depressed, and burnt out.

The Difference That Trauma-Informed Journalism Makes

• Empathy First: Empathy is the main focus in trauma-informed journalism. It gives respect and dignity to survivors and looks at the incident as what took place, not at any possible faults of the survivor.
• Avoiding Re-traumatization: It is important for journalists to ensure that survivors are not questioned in ways that make them recall their trauma.
• Presenting the Truth Fairly: When reporters recognize how trauma works, their stories are more truthful and follow ethics, helping the public trust them.

This highlights another concern, that is, the journalist itself being traumatised. If the news is grave and harsh for even the strongest human to process, it can affect the journalist. So what can be done? If journalists know their emotional limits and schedule breaks, they can keep themselves from feeling the negative effects of their jobs. Also, this will help prioritise mental health in journalism. 

Tips for Indian Journalists

1. Take Some Time to Get Yourself Ready to Report: Make sure you understand trauma and what it causes before starting to help those who went through it.
2. Ensure There is a Safe Environment: Make each interview similar and safe, and give survivors the chance to set rules.
3. Provide Clear Instructions: Whenever covering sensitive subjects, inform your readers so they know when and how to read the information.
4. Practice Self-care: Taking care of one’s mental health, getting support, and enjoying breaks are important for journalists.
5. Concentrate on finding solutions: If you can, choose stories about rebounds and victories instead of focusing only on misery.

Trauma-informed reporting has become popular worldwide, and Indian newsrooms are quickly starting to adopt it. As journalists become more knowledgeable and empathetic with additional training, they are less likely to harm the subjects of their stories. Because India is complex and diverse, the adoption of this method could help society become more empathetic, knowledgeable, and stable.

If you are an aspiring journalist, take note of this, adhere to this new skill, and practice trauma-informed journalism as per the needs of Indian society. Because ethical news coverage in India is vital, trauma-informed journalism is coming up as the future of Indian News. 

So, if you aspire to be a positive change and have a rewarding career, consider pursuing journalism courses in India. For free career counselling, connect with us @ 08035018499 or visit the GMCET official portal https://gmcet.org/.