NEWSROOM TRAUMA: Support for journalists who are suffering through an unprecedented year of violence and hate

Conference Session #8

NEWSROOM TRAUMA: Support for journalists who are suffering through an unprecedented year of violence and hate.

In newsrooms that are often understaffed and regularly under attack, stories with a personal impact can lead to stress and exhaustion. Although not a new concept, some experts agree that the last year has seen a spike in trauma, as incidents of hate and violence impact staff who are already suffering through the mental health challenges of a pandemic. The problem is particularly acute for journalists of colour, who are navigating the racial fault lines that were exposed in newsrooms in the wake of the death of George Floyd. This session looks at coping strategies, and how to recognize the signs of stress among colleagues.

Format: Panel discussion, Q&A

Moderator: Melanie Ng, Anchor/Reporter, Breakfast Television

Panel: Dr. Anthony Feinstein, University of Toronto, Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma, Dave Seglins, CBC Journalist, and Donnovan Bennett, Sportsnet

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Melanie Ng is an award-winning journalist based in Toronto.  She is the news anchor for Breakfast Television and reporter for CityNews. 

Anthony Feinstein is a professor of Psychiatry at University of Toronto.  He focuses on the study of journalists in conflict situations and has studied the psychological effects of conflict on journalists covering the Balkans, Iraq, Syria, Kenya, Iran, Afghanistan, the refugee crisis in Europe and the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on New York City.  

Dave Seglins is an investigative journalist and newsroom trainer at CBC News. Inspired by his own PTSD after covering a horrific murder case over a decade ago, Seglins is now conducting research and leading courses for journalists on Resilience amid Deadlines, Death and Destruction.

Donnovan (D.J.) Bennett is a senior writer at Sportsnet, as well as feature host, producer and radio host.  A member of the Sportsnet team since 2013, Bennett’s work often touches on the intersections between sports and race, politics, gender and pop culture.