A Nigerian Professor, Dele Odunlami of Olabisi Onabanjo University is to address the Representatives of UNESCO; The Dart Centre Europe; Trauma Reporting Ltd; Journalists from all world regions at a webinar on Journalists Education and Trauma
Penpushing reports that, the International Press Center(IPC), Lagos is hosting a two-day webinar on Journalism Education and Trauma, on behalf of Journalism Education and Research Group (JETREG), Sub Saharan Africa in collaboration with School of English and Journalism, University of Lincoln, UK and Journalism Subject group at the Media, Arts and Communications Department, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
The Coordinators in a statement said Odunlami and other cerebral lecturers at the webinar will discuss Journalism and Trauma Literacy, through focus discussion groups, adding that over 60 members of Journalism Education and Research Group (JETREG), in Nigeria will also participate online.
Penpushing further reports that, Senior Nigerians Journalists and academics to discuss at the webinar scheduled to hold Friday 19th November, include: Mr. Lanre Arogundade, of the International Press Center (IPC), Dr Qasim Akinreti, Mrs Adenike Adegoke and Dr Jide Johnson
The Trauma literacy is an unmet objective in the UNESCO’s Safety of Journalists’ policy agenda, and since 2007, the Safety of Journalists’ agenda covers a range of issues from violence, conflict, physical and online abuse, harassment and impunity but overlooks journalists’ emotional and psychological responses to exposure to traumatic events.
This is a pertinent research enquiry because scholarly studies consistently conclude that journalists who regularly cover accidents, natural disasters, crime, cases of rape and child abuse are susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and persistent fear.
The statement noted that, it is noted that reporters are often ill-prepared to cope with the consequences of covering these assignments and there is still some stigma attached to the conversations about mental health in journalism and high burnout rates among media workers.
Penpushing also reports that, the statement explained that Journalism Education and Research Group (JETREG), focus is to bridge gaps in research by working towards the development of a Professional Development Course (PDC) to enhance journalism educators’ expertise and confidence to teach trauma; a trauma informed literacy module for journalism students; and by conducting further research to enhance our understanding of work-related trauma and coping strategies in journalism practice.
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