Respectfully Reporting on Mass Shootings

Natalie Butko
nb861214@ohio.edu

After a sad weekend of closely following the reports of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in my home city of Pittsburgh, I started to think about the multiple reports I had read. I read tweets from local reporters on the scene, articles from national media outlets such as the New York Times, and Facebook posts from friends who were affected by the tragedy. Should I trust all of these sources?

The question of trusting a source is asked far too often during tragedies like the one that took place in Pittsburgh this past weekend. Why do we question sources such as media outlets and loved ones that we should trust? Social media has changed how fast news spreads. Everyone from reporters to witnesses are fighting to report what is happening first. This fast-paced reporting style is elevated even more so when there is a tragedy.

Fast reporting by both the public and journalists in times of tragedy can lead to false information and more panic. How you report on a crime can impact others. Whether you're a journalist, witness, or dedicated social media user, keep the following tips in mind if you find yourself reporting on a tragedy.

1. Report on the attacker carefully. Irresponsible reporting such as glorifying the attacker can encourage copycat behavior. Use the perpetrator's name and photo sparingly in reports. Avoid using pictures of the perpetrator with guns or showing violence.

2. Don't increase prejudice around mental health. Many mass shooting tragedies are linked to mental illnesses. However, this is not always the case or attackers have not been formally diagnosed. Avoid stereotyping and always remember to include resources if mentioned. For example, "For help with emotional distress and/or suicidal thoughts, visit www.mentalhealth.gov."

3. Aim to educate and comfort. Unless confirmed by an official police source, be cautious about spreading information. Misinformation can cause a panic amongst the public, especially families of potential victims. Reporting should focus on facts and the public's need to know such as an ongoing threat.

4. Report on victims. This can sometimes be the hardest part of a tragedy to report. The stories of the victims are an important part and often remind readers of the amazing communities that have been affected. However, it is important to respect the victims and their families that are grieving. "It's a funeral, people -- not a TV station!" says a man to a crowd of journalists outside a funeral for one of the Newtown, Connecticut victims.

5. Including a manifesto? This is a tough decision that should be made case to case. A perpetrator's manifesto should only be reported or released when it adds important information to a story.

Source: www.reportingonmassshootings.org

Reporting on a mass shooting is difficult. With each act of terror that takes place, the reporting doesn't get any easier. Whether a member of the public or a seasoned journalist, reporters must keep in mind that the information will affect people. The goal should be to comfort and inform rather than to cause panic and encourage repeat behaviors. To brush up on even more tips for reporting on senseless tragedies such as the one in Pittsburgh just this weekend, visit the Reporting on Mass Shooting website.