The risks of disaster journalism
As the name suggests disaster journalism carries with it a high potential for danger. Whether it’s reporting in a war zone, where violence is only a moment away, or visiting the site of a natural disaster, good planning could be the difference between health and injury or life and death.
No story is worth dying for, and each time a disaster journalist ventures into the field they must thoughtfully weigh up each potential scenario and plan for all possibilities.
A conclusive risk assessment is essential before each assignment and those in the field must consider natural hazards like floods, earthquakes, fires etc. Research of the environment along with regular checks with the local meteorological agency can be a necessity when working in an unpredictable and potentially deadly environment. The weather needs to be taken seriously, as does packing relevant equipment, and in the face of extreme climates, journalists have to be ready to postpone or even let go of an assignment or lead.
Along with environmental factors, it is also important that social factors are given plenty of thought. Having a strong understanding of local culture, customs and religion could mitigate the risks of offending people, or groups of people. Difference in cultures could mean unintentional offence, which could sever a lead, break trust or even lead to violence. During the planning process, even extreme and unlikely situations should be treated in earnest and everyone involved in the situation should be taken into account.
The multitude of risks, along with the unpredictable nature of disaster journalism means that constant contact with teams and supervisors should become second nature. Having specific and regular check in times at certain locations with a list of contacts in case of a a missed check in, will enable a quick response in the case of any accident.
It is therefore of the upmost importance for disaster journalists to familiarise themselves with the environment they will be working in as well as all the relevant local authorities.