Journalists need various elements to cover a disaster, for instance, the Haiti earthquake in 2010. In a disaster scenario, the journalist must get their story right and present the factual information only. Getting the story right tends to increase a journalist's confidence when conveying the message. According to the United Nations, journalism is among the most dangerous jobs globally (Horton, 2019). Supporting journalists' protection and opposing impunity for individuals who violate or attack them are fundamental elements within UNESCO's backing for journalists’ rights and freedom across all media platforms. They need to be protected in their work or them to give an accurate and precise story. Once the story is ascertained, they also have to deliver it to their audience with the most appropriate words. When presenting a disaster experience, journalists should avoid jargon as this is a time of grief, pain, and agony.
The safety and the well-being of the journalist are essential. I saw some journalists covering the earthquake and were reporting in front of a collapsed building where the emergency rescue teams were helping victims. In the event of an earthquake, the debris from collapsed buildings can be harmful, for instance, a chemical manufacturing plant. The journalists’ safety needs should include wearing protective equipment that will shelter them from any danger. Exposure to any harmful substances can be dangerous and costly to the health of a journalist. Journalists must be protected not only by their media houses but also by the various relevant authorities who are concerned with disaster management. Their work is essential as they update the general public on the happenings. Journalists also need to respect the choices of their respondents. Arguably, not every victim is comfortable being interviewed immediately after a disaster. As a journalist, making the right choice on whom to interview and who not to interview is essential. Traumatized individuals are likely to give out distorted or inaccurate information. Paying out respondents is not ethical as it undermines journalism's core values, which are primarily individuals of integrity, transparency, and honesty. For instance, when sourcing information from a family, it is essential to first consult the head of the family before talking to anyone else.
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Needs of a Survivor
Victims of a disaster need immediate first aid within the disaster area, as those injured await to be taken to a hospital. They have the right to reject any interview, be filmed, or photographed. Survivors should be given sufficient time to decide on what to do after a disaster. Their grievances should be addressed and given much consideration. Survivors are entitled to a safe location where they can relax and receive medical attention. People react differently to trauma, necessitating counseling from a social or mental health specialist. Guidance and counseling aid the victims in regaining their conscience and share their experiences.
A survivor requires the basic human needs of shelter, water, and food. These needs are essential to a survivor as they might have lost all their properties and belongings. The devastation after a disaster might affect the survivors' social life and affect their eating habits, and they might end up staying hungry for days. They require adequate support from well-wishers to help them recover from the trauma. Most survivors are kept in temporary shelters set by the government before being released from health care facilities.
Giving a survivor some words of encouragement and a message of good luck will raise their morale and feel wanted by the people around them. Most survivors are held back by suicidal thoughts when rejected by their families and close relatives. They should be checked on frequently and advised appropriately on how to continue with they live. They need to be assimilated and accommodated until they have recovered and have realized their full potential.
Literature Review
Various journals provide credible information in support of what is to be done in the event of a disaster. According to Valenzuela et al. (2017), comparing disaster news on various social media platforms and the media houses is vital to eliminating misconceptions. The growth of computers and the emergence of social media platforms have seen the escalation of false information. The journal compares and contrasts disaster news on Twitter and those on television. Its findings were that television provides precise and accurate information, which might be insufficient for the audience. On the other hand, Twitter gives individuals much information that lacks credible sources.
In the event of a disaster such as the Haiti earthquake, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most frequent psychiatric condition among survivors. PSTD is the core reason for survivors not to engage in any rehabilitation after a disaster (Baral & Bhagawati, 2019). The article's fundamental aim and goal were to investigate the prevalence of PTSD and advice on the coping strategies vital for adult survivors after an earthquake. The article found that females and the elderly are at significant risk of suffering from PTSD after an earthquake compared to male survivors. Earthquake disasters also have a critical impact on the mental health of survivors. Months after such a disaster, the prevalence of PTSD existing among survivors escalates. Survivors should be screened, and an awareness campaign conducted to encourage them to come out and share their feelings and emotions. Disaster survivors should be accorded maximum care, aid them in getting back their life in order. Adhering to the doctors' advice on PTSD will aid survivors in having a quick recovery from the undesirable condition.
Takeaway Experiences
I learned several lessons from interactive experiences, which will help me in the future. As a student, the interactive learning experience as effective as it made me appreciate the importance of effective interpersonal communication. The class was interesting and helped create a good relationship between the students and the tutors. I believe that every student who was contented with the experience would like to engage again in the learning process. The student-teacher and student-student interactions are enhanced, creating a desirable learning setting. Interactive learning fosters information exchange, conducive culture, and cooperation.
The use of audio, videos, and visuals also motivates learners to be active and engage in critical thinking. A learner who actively participates in interactive experiences is likely to develop new ideas and leads to desirable long-term memory retention; the learning experience aided in improving my grades and abilities in the topic and the value of working as a team. When learners engage in interactive learning experiences, they form core values, which complement the learning process, ensuring that the set targets are attained. The freedom of expression also advances, resulting in learners expressing their opinions and distinguishing between right and wrong. The interactive learning experience assisted in appreciating the value of making desirable, precise, and informed decisions. An interactive experience enhances a learner's thinking ability and cooperation among colleagues.
References
Adhikari Baral, I., & K.C, B. (2019). Post traumatic stress disorder and coping strategies among adult survivors of earthquake, Nepal. BMC Psychiatry , 19 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2090-y
Horton, S. (2019). Financing the sustainable development goals. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals , 206-225. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429029622-13
Valenzuela, S., Puente, S., & Flores, P. M. (2017). Comparing disaster news on Twitter and television: An Intermedia agenda setting perspective. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media , 61 (4), 615-637. https://doi.org/10.1080/08838151.2017.1344673
