Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville Department of Communication has shared that they will host a workshop Aug. 12, 8:00 am. to 5:00 pm, for journalists. Provided with support from the Alabama Press Association Journalism Foundation, the event will focus on two areas of concern in the news industry these days: the mental health of journalists and the transition to digital sources of news.
News has long been a fast-paced, high-stress profession, but the events of 2020 and the years since – a global pandemic, the resulting economic upheaval, mass protests over racial injustice, a bitterly contested election culminating in a violent attack, repeated mass shootings – have led to greater awareness of the effects of traumatic stories on the people who must report them. All of that comes as the industry faces continuing financial struggles in the shift away from traditional ads, making it crucial for news outlets to connect with audiences online.
Among the presenters scheduled for the workshop is the University of Tulsa’s Dr. Elana Newman, research director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, whose work centers on the occupational health of journalists who cover traumatic events, analyzing trauma-related news, and examining the effects of journalistic practice on consumers and individuals covered in the news.
Also presenting: Autumn Slaughter of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, on journalists and online harassment; and Tekeisha Goggins and Kristen O’Dell of JSU Counseling Services, on assessing and practicing self-care.
In addition, Dr. Teddi Joyce of JSU’s Department of Communication will lead a session for journalists on building a professional brand through social media, and Sebastian Mendez of JSU Digital Media Services will provide tips on producing digital video.
