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Welcome
Media Personnel |
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between 1984 and 1987, journalists in Vienna covered
the deaths of individuals who jumped in front of trains
in the subway system. The coverage was extensive and dramatic.
In 1987, a campaign alerted reporters to the possible negative
effects of such reporting, and suggested alternate strategies
for coverage. In the first six months after the campaign
began subway suicides and non-fatal attempts dropped by
more than eighty percent. The total number of suicides in
Vienna declined as well.
-From
the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's recommendations
for the media (References 2,3&4)
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As
a member of the media you play a powerful role in bringing
information into the public arena. When your work focuses
on life and death, protecting one's safety, and/or a family's
despair it is all the more critical that the information be
reported accurately and appropriately.
The real tragedy is in not giving suicide – its symptoms,
causes and aftermath – appropriate coverage in the press.
Coverage that is not only accurate and informative but sensitive
and non-sensationalized.
A
thorny subject
Suicide is
the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and the
3rd leading killer of young Americans between the ages of 10
and 24.
The killer is suicide, and given the toll it takes on society,
it is certainly worthy of news coverage. Deciding how
to approach and report on suicide is a thorny subject for journalists.
Editorial policies can vary from one news organization
to another. Media personnel have an opportunity to alter
the perception of suicide by reporting accurately and with increased
awareness. |
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| References
for Media personnel Introduction |
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| Media
personnel have an opportunity to make an impact on global awareness
of suicide and suicide's economic and emotional impact on societies.
By learning about suicide as well as common misconceptions
about suicide and the impact of media on suicidal thoughts and
behaviors, media personnel can act responsibly and ethically
and help to prevent suicide. |
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| What
to do to help as Media personnel |
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out what media personnel can do to increase the accuracy of
reporting as well as encourage needed research, prevention efforts,
and appropriate treatments. Media personnel have a responsibility
and can make a difference. |
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| What
education is available for Media personnel
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| Media
personnel can find resources to access more information on suicide
including publications, training opportunities, and organizations
that may be of interest and helpful to members of the media.
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| What
researchers are doing of interest to Media personnel
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| Current
research projects and findings can help media personnel to accurately
report on suicide without using outdated or inaccurate information.
Find information like, statistics, research institutions,
and organizations working to learn more about suicide and suicide
prevention. |
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| What
other resources are available for Media personnel
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| Sometimes
there are resources that do not fit into any one specific
category. Find various resources that offer additional
information on suicide and suicide prevention of interest to
members of the media. |
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| Media
personnel as intermediary pages were last updated September
15, 2004 |
