Abstract:
Trauma is something that journalists experience daily. From reporting at house fires to
covering homicides to interviewing sexual assault victims, each of these trauma situations needs
to be handled correctly to minimize negative effects on journalists, interviewees, and the general
public. However, based on national data, it’s this kind of trauma that young journalists are not
prepared to handle due to one main factor: a lack of trauma journalism education in journalism
education programs across the nation. Through personal interviews, this short study showcases
three main things: a) how well the Ball State Department of Journalism has educated recent
alumni on trauma journalism, b) identifies the types of trauma situations these young journalists
have encountered and c) produces recommendations as to ways the program could improve their
journalism education program.
