ST PETERSBURG, FLA. – News University (www.newsu.org), an innovative e-learning center that helps journalists through self-directed training, today released “Journalism and Trauma.” The course, a partnership between the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma and NewsU, explains traumatic stress, its impact on mental and physical health, and where and how to look for information on trauma.
“Almost all reporters and photographers are confronted by traumatic events. A better understanding of trauma can provide journalists with tools that can be used in dealing with horrible news events and a greater sensitivity to others who may be affected by those same events,” said Howard Finberg, director, interactive learning, The Poynter Institute/NewsU. “We hope the NewsU e-learning module on Journalism and Trauma will also help journalists take care of themselves when it comes to the stress of covering horrific events.”
Because the skills needed to interact with people under stressful and unpredictable conditions do not always come naturally, the new e-learning course can help journalists who cover trauma news stories as well as those who are affected by trauma while on the job.
“Observing, experiencing and writing about violence and trauma can be a tough assignment for journalists. The Dart Center commends NewsU for providing the tools to help journalists meet this challenge by preparing themselves with our convenient online courses,” said Roger Simpson, executive director at the Dart Center. “Partnering with NewsU allows the Dart Center to share its vast resources with journalists and journalism students just about anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. We are proud to be affiliated with NewsU’s innovative online training Web site.”
For a first-hand look at “Journalism and Trauma” and other online training courses for journalists, please visit www.newsu.org.
About the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma
The Dart Center (www.dartcenter.org) is a global network of journalists, journalism educators and health professionals dedicated to improving media overage of trauma, conflict and tragedy. The center also addresses the consequences of such coverage for those working in journalism.
About News University
News University (www.newsu.org) offers newsroom training to journalists and journalism students through its interactive e-learning program and links to other journalism education and training opportunities. The program is a project of The Poynter Institute funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
About The Poynter Institute
The Poynter Institute (www.poynter.org) is a school for journalists, future journalists and teachers of journalism. Poynter conducts about 50 seminars annually in the areas of leadership and management, reporting and writing, broadcast, ethics and diversity, and visual journalism. The school owns the Times Publishing Co., the parent company of the St. Petersburg Times, Congressional Quarterly and other publications.
About the Knight Foundation
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of 26 U.S. communities. One of its signature programs is Journalism Initiatives. Since 1950, when Knight Foundation was created, the foundation has approved more than $250 million in journalism grants.