“If It Bleeds It Leads”: The Visual Witnessing Trauma Phenomenon Among Journalists in East Africa

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Lydia Ouma Radoli

The paradox of documenting history through gruesome visuals depicting the prominence of stories intrigues media researchers. Foundational work on the dual representation theory explains trauma transference to brain functions following disturbing emotional triggers. The analysis suggests an existing link between exposure to disturbing information and trauma. In East Africa, trauma and related psychological effects thrive amid rigid newsroom structures devoid of intervention mechanisms. The scarcity of trauma mitigations is not just an issue in journalism, but in society, as mental health concerns and other deprivations become common. Data from in-depth interviews with journalists reporting trauma in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda indicate a positive correlation between a heightened frequency of exposure to violent visuals and an increased manifestation of trauma. Data also show a dearth in psychosocial support, indicating a need for alternative mitigation strategies.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournalism and Mass Communication Educator
Volume79
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)287-305
Number of pages19
ISSN1077-6958
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09.2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© AEJMC 2024.

    Research areas

  • East African journalists, journalism, trauma, visuals, witnessing
  • Cultural studies

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