The Mental Health Reporting Project: Elevating Journalism with Empathy and Insight

Introduction

Mental health is a multifaceted realm that intersects every beat in journalism. Yet, it often requires a more nuanced approach that goes beyond traditional reporting techniques. The Mental Health Reporting Project by Poynter aims to bridge this gap, offering journalists essential tools and perspectives to report on sensitive topics such as trauma, suicide, addiction, and mental health disparities.

Understanding the Need for Specialized Mental Health Reporting

Journalism plays a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions and attitudes towards mental health. Traditional reporting can sometimes fall short in capturing the depth and intricacy of mental health issues. This is where Poynter’s Mental Health Reporting Project steps in, providing journalists with a comprehensive framework to report ethically and empathetically.

Course Overview

This self-directed course is divided into five expert-led sessions designed to help reporters tackle mental health topics thoughtfully and thoroughly:

• An introduction to “The Mental Health Reporting Project” with Kerwin Speight.
• “Getting Started Covering Mental Health” with Taylor Blatchford.
• “Using Tools to Responsibly Report on Mental Health” with Anissa Durham.
• “How to Cover Mental Health Equity” with Ashley Hopkinson.
• “Covering Suicide and Addiction” with Esmy Jimenez and “Trauma-Informed Reporting” with Mary Hall.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will:

• Navigate complex ethical considerations when reporting on mental health issues like suicide, addiction, and systemic disparities.
• Identify and counter harmful stereotypes and sensationalism in mental health coverage.
• Apply trauma-informed approaches to interviews and stories involving individuals with mental health challenges.
• Recognize mental health disparities and report on systemic inequities.
• Incorporate evidence-based research into mental health narratives to enhance storytelling.
• Implement self-care strategies to protect personal mental health while working on challenging subjects.

Benefits of Enrolling

This course is invaluable for journalists looking to:

• Broaden their understanding of mental health issues for a more nuanced and impactful narrative.
• Elevate mental health to a dedicated beat that resonates with broad audiences.
• Differentiate their reporting with specialized insights that meet audience demands for accountable journalism.
• Foster newsroom well-being by adopting strategies that align with the current climate of uncertainty.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners

This initiative is sponsored by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation and developed in partnership with The Carter Center. Their support ensures the course remains free, allowing journalists from all corners to access this critical training.

Enroll Today

Journalists and media professionals can enroll for free to gain immediate access to this vital training. Engage with content at your pace, and leverage the expertise of leading subject matter experts to enhance your reporting skills.

If you need assistance or have questions, please reach out via email at info@poynter.org.

Take this opportunity to redefine mental health journalism by signing up for the Mental Health Reporting Project at Poynter. Your future reporting will not only engage audiences but also serve the public responsibly.

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Source: https://www.poynter.org/shop/ethics/the-mental-health-reporting-project/