Trauma journalism education and Ball State University

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.