Journalism as the Fourth Emergency Service

Journalists have often been considered the "fourth emergency service". They
are first on the scene, alongside paramedics, fi re and police, running
towards danger rather than away, and providing independent, veritable and
crucial information in the public interest. And yet, unlike frontline workers,
little (if any) counselling or training is offered to journalists on how to
deal with the horrors they witness, and the trauma they absorb from being at
the forefront of human suffering. Further, limited to no training is given to
student journalists on how to prepare themselves for trauma, be it from war
scenes to the everyday "death knock". New research is demonstrating a rise in
post-traumatic stress disorder amongst journalists resulting from the
"everyday" trauma they encounter. There is also a noticeable increase in
reluctance from new journalists to undertake emotionally distressing
assignments. Editors in industry are now calling for educators to invest in
curricula that centre around understanding how to cope with distress and
trauma, and why work like this is vital to facilitate the work journalists do
hold power to account.

This book investigates the cause and effect of trauma reporting on the
journalist themselves and provides a toolkit for training journalists and
practitioners to build resilience and prepare themselves for trauma. It draws
on national and international experiences enabling readers to gain valuable
insight into a range of contemporary issues and the contexts in which they may
work.

This edited book offers a blend of academic research studies, evidence-based
practitioner interviews, and teaching resources drawing on the experiences of
journalists and academics nationally and internationally.

In this increasingly complex and challenging world, there is a real need to
consider extra mental health support for journalists. This book is a very
valuable addition to that debate.

— Ian MacGregor, Editor Emeritus at the Telegraph and Chair of the Society of
Editors.

Journalists head towards danger when everyone else is running away. They see
things that are the stuff of nightmares. They can be viciously trolled for
telling the truth. The work is exciting and important - but there can be a
heavy price to pay in trauma that can last a lifetime. This important book is
essential reading for journalists and those concerned about their welfare.

— Jonathan Grun, Emeritus Editor, Press Association.

Journalism as the Fourth Emergency Service: Trauma and Resilience is a well-
researched and insightful read for anyone wanting to enter the industry. The
authors have carefully crafted the perfect guide to navigate new journalists
through the new and ever- changing world. Their understanding and
acknowledgement of the struggles and difficulties faced by journalists makes
for an insightful and honest read about what to expect before entering any
newsroom. I wish I had this before becoming a journalist.

— Katie Ridley, Journalist ITV Anglia.

An essential read for journalists at all stages of their career, this book is
an invaluable resource for navigating the challenges both in and beyond the
newsroom. It provides much- sought- after guidance that reporters have been
yearning for, blending research- based insights with actionable advice - and
will be beneficial for trainees and seasoned professionals alike.

— Harriet Rose Gale, Head of Features (Digital and Print), SWNS Media Group.