Media Policy

Reporting on suicide

Israel MlamboKate Hellig Wanita Briell

Wendy FourieHendri Pelser

Insensitive and Inaccurate Reporting

• Headline• “tree-lined Rhodes University campus” ?!• Name• Method used• Unnecessary details• Inaccurate information• Mention of unrelated events?

Aims

• Establish current policy and reporting trends• Develop a better understanding of how to

report on suicides• Create a better understanding of the

psychological aspects involved• Troubleshoot problem-areas in current

reporting. • Develop a framework and set of guidelines for

future reporting.

Methodology

• Literature review

• Critical analysis of newspaper reports

• In depth interviews

• Examination of existing policy

Findings• No current policy• Inaccuracies• Assumptions and speculation• Insensitivity towards family and friends• Sensationalism and dramatisation• Failure to include helpful information on suicide• Complex situation – ethics:

- Time to grieve vs. time to print- Public knowledge vs. Private knowledge

Values• Different cultures and societies view

suicide in different ways- Shameful- Honourable

• Journalistic values• Need to balance the different values in

the Grocott’s to reflect community values

Recommendations• Withhold names of minors

• Be tactful and sensitive to the bereaved family. Try and contact a person close to the family who is willing to speak to the press and who will provide accurate and factual information.

• No reference to suicide in the headline

Recommendations• Only include the basic relevant

information

• Do not speculate as to the motivation or mention the method used

• Never romanticise suicide

Recommendations• Photographs at the family’s discretion

• Never publish photographs of the family

• Double check press releases

• Include contact details for a suicide support group or help-line

Thank you