Handling graphic imagery in the newsroom

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HANDLING GRAPHIC IMAGERY



There is more graphic imagery to filter than ever before…

Credit: Sam Dubberley



…and we’re not ready




When is it most traumatic? (Emhub Study)

• When they were not expecting to see something horrific. • When they were repeatedly exposed to distressing content. • When they were looking for or at distressing content which was then not subsequently used in news output, reporting or advocacy campaigns.

• When content reminded the individual of personal experiences or was in some way connected to them.

• When the audio in a video contained sounds of human suffering such as screaming or people begging for their lives.




The personal impact can be profound




Personal care



Ensure that, before introducing new social media newsgathering techniques into the newsrooms, ensure that the potential for viewing more distressing or traumatic content is

taken into account.

Ensure workflows for introducing video on to general servers includes warnings of traumatic content.

Ensure staff rotation policies are in place so staff are given breaks from viewing distressing or traumatic content during shifts. Also ensure that viewing social media is not left to one staff

member during any given shift.

Advice for managers

Handling graphic imagery in the newsroom

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