Abstract

Research indicates that TV news journalists’ ongoing exposure to trauma can result in psychopathology. However, we currently know little about potential differences in trauma exposure between individuals in varying journalistic roles. The aim of this study is to contextualize the existing knowledge of psychological outcomes for TV news journalists and to complement current deductive trends in literature by asking: How do TV news journalists of differing roles and responsibilities experience unique factors that ultimately influence their trauma exposure? Individuals in journalistic roles that experience differences in their exposure to trauma compared to other roles, may be at risk of elevated psychopathology or in need of greater support to prevent distress. A social constructivist approach was adopted and in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 Australian TV news camera-operators and reporters. Analysis was conducted according to a systematic and transparent thematic analysis. The findings suggest that TV news camera operators and reporters experience differences in: (1) experiences of industry culture within organizational hierarchy, (2) role expectations of physical proximity to trauma, and (3) social visibility during trauma exposure. By considering role-based differences, this study recommends resources and support necessary for reporters and camera operators. The present findings inform news organizations providing support for their staff, and news consumers of the circumstances under which news workers perform roles.

摘要

研究表明，电视新闻记者持续暴露于创伤可能导致精神病理学。然而，我们目前对不同新闻角色的个体之间创伤暴露的潜在差异知之甚少。本研究的目的是将电视新闻记者心理结果的现有知识置于语境中，并通过询问以下问题来补充当前的文学演绎趋势：不同角色和职责的电视新闻记者如何体验最终影响其创伤暴露的独特因素？与其他角色相比，新闻角色中的个人在遭受创伤方面的经历不同，可能会面临精神病理学升高的风险，或者需要更多的支持来防止痛苦。采用社会建构主义方法，对 21 名澳大利亚电视新闻摄影机操作员和记者进行了深入采访。分析是根据系统和透明的主题分析进行的。研究结果表明，电视新闻摄像机操作员和记者在以下方面存在差异：(1) 组织层次结构中的行业文化体验，(2) 对身体接近创伤的角色期望，以及 (3) 创伤暴露期间的社会可见度。通过考虑基于角色的差异，本研究为记者和摄像师推荐了必要的资源和支持。