Bringing together a diverse group of journalists from across the region, CIR kicked off its South Asia series #1: “Self-care and community care for journalists during and post-COVID-19” on 6 May 2020.
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As the world battles against a global pandemic, journalists are in the forefront, telling the COVID-19 story. They are first responders themselves, dealing with multiple challenges, ranging from screaming deadlines, domestic crises, restricted mobility and having to deal with personal safety and well-being.
In these challenging times, journalists play a critical role in keeping their communities informed. COVID-19 has made everyone a health reporter.
But how can journalists cover the global pandemic effectively when they often have to consider self-care and deal with psychological stress, challenges to their own health and safety and an uncertain future? What are the best practices we can draw from?
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Amantha Perera, senior journalist, media researcher and trainer engaged with the group during 90 minutes of conversation, looking at self-care, community care, dealing with general, specific and anticipatory anxiety in different settings, developing individual self-care plans, how to ensure post trauma growth and the importance of circles of trust and solidarity building.
Amantha is a researcher with the Creative Arts Research Training Academy, CQUniversity, Australia. His main area of expertise is journalism and online trauma threats. He also works as the Asia-Pacific Coordinator for the DART Center for Journalism and Trauma, Columbia University, USA.