However, unlike other professions such as paramedics, they are not expected to directly and immediately intervene to mitigate the effects of those events. When done properly, their role is to bring stories to mass audiences in as accurate a manner as possible. Although this carries the potential benefits of upholding human rights and the accountability, any such benefits take time to manifest.

While journalists’ work is often highly rewarding with a strong sense of purpose, journalists’ are more exposed to potentially harmful traumatic stress in the form of PTSD, moral injury, vicarious trauma and burnout.

Media 0rganisations that do not have a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to managing the risks posed from trauma exposure place their employees at risk of psychological injury, interviewees in danger, and are less able to conduct journalism objectively, diligently and respectfully.

Thankfully there are evidenced based methods to manage exposure to trauma and intervene when people have been adversely affected.

Criterion A Psychology Services offers several services designed to protect journalists from harm and assist when needed. Our approach is centred around the notion that journalists are also highly resilient and able to perform under demanding conditions. Our services include:

• Trauma Informed Organisational Reviews

• Supervision and Advice to managers who manage trauma exposed workforces

• On site production team support and advice

• Developing tailormade Critical Incident Policies,

• Undertaking post-critical incident reviews,

• Providing bespoke trauma informed training

• Providing direct individual evidence-based psychological therapy for staff and freelancers with traumatic stress presentations such as PTSD, burnout, anxiety and depression.

Our aim is to foster a happy, productive workforce, as well as to be there when people have been adversely affected.