2024 National Trauma Journalism Symposium

A collaboration between the Franklin College Pulliam School of Journalism and Trust for Trauma Journalism.

The Third National Trauma Journalism Symposium will focus on helping journalists to understand the effect of trauma on survivors and the journalist when covering traumatic news stories. The two-day experience will feature journalists, communications and mental health professionals who have been part of traumatic news events. The discussions will aim at helping journalists understand the effects of trauma and techniques to approach their work with greater insight.

Hotel Accommodations: Room blocks available at Hampton Inn & Suites in Franklin IN via the Hampton Inn website.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

8:00 am-9:00 am — Registration

9:00 am — Welcome Franklin College and the Trust for Trauma Journalism

9:00 am-11:30 am — Session 1

Adolescent Targeted Violence Program–Prevent 2 Protect (P2P) Averting School Violence Project

Dr. Alyse Ley: Director P2P, Michigan State University. Dr. Ley was appointed by Governor Whitmer to serve on the Michigan School Safety and Mental Health Commission. Dr. Ley also serves on the Oakland County MI Commission to Address Gun Violence and is a member of the MI Board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

11:45 am-12:45 pm — Lunch

1:00 pm-4:30 pm — Session 2

The Trauma Beat, The impact of media on trauma survivors, and the impact of trauma on journalists.

Ms. Tamara Cherry: Founder of Pick-up Communications, Regina, SK, Canada – Broadcast Journalist, Anchor, Trauma Researcher and Author “The Trauma Beat: A Case for Re-Thinking the Business of Bad News.”

5:00 pm-6:00 pm — Social Hour and Networking

6:00 pm-8:30 pm — Session 3 and Dinner

Violence, Grief and Resilience – Survivors, Communities, and Reporters – Life after Tragedy.

Ms. Susan Hendricks: Former CNN and HLN Anchor,Broadcast Journalist and Author “Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi.”

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

8:00 am-9:00 am — Continental Breakfast

9:00 am-10:15 am — Session 4

What is Media Psychology?

Dr. Cynthia Vinney: PhD Psychology, Author “Psychology of Popular Media Culture”, “Social and Personality Psychology Compass”, “Review of Communication” and “Finding Truth in Fiction”.

10:30 am-11:45 am — Session 5

Recognizing the impact of Trauma in Colleagues-Building Peer Support Networks.

Dr. Deborah Beidel: PhD Psychology, Director of University of Central Florida (UCF) RESTORES clinical research center. Dr. Beidel is dedicated to changing how trauma and PTSD is understood, diagnosed, and treated. Dr Beidel has a particular interest in it effect on first responders, survivors of sexual assault and mass violence and providing supportive care.

12:00 pm-1:30 pm — Session 6 – Closing Luncheon

Trauma Awareness and Reporting in Turbulent Times.

Ms. Linsey Davis: National Anchor for “ABC News Live Prime,” ABC News’ award-winning streaming evening newscast, and weekend “World News Tonight.” Ms. Davis is an advocate for Trauma informed Journalism and resources for journalists suffering from work-related trauma.

1:30 pm — Program Concludes