Moral injury, a term used to describe the suffering that results from witnessing, perpetrating, or failing to prevent events that violate one’s moral beliefs and values, is becoming an increasingly recognized issue in the news industry. Journalists covering emotionally challenging stories, such as the refugee crisis or mass shootings, may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or helplessness, which can lead to depression, substance abuse, or burnout. Experts like psychiatrist Anthony Feinstein, psychologist Ludmila Praslova, and neuropsychologist Negar Fani emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing moral injury in newsrooms. They suggest that news managers can help by embedding an awareness of moral injury in their organizations, reminding journalists of the importance of their work, showing empathy and solidarity, and being mindful that everyone experiences moral injury differently. Moreover, news organizations themselves can cause or contribute to moral injury through unethical news judgments or by invalidating journalists’ experiences or ethical viewpoints. Recognizing and addressing these issues is crucial for the well-being of journalists and the industry as a whole. Source: Benkelman, S. (2024, March 21). How moral injury is impacting the news industry and what you can do about it. American Press Institute.
Moral Injury in Journalism: Understanding Its Impact and Addressing the Challenges
