Franklin College has announced it will host the third annual National Trauma Journalism Symposium on its campus in partnership with the National Trust for Trauma (TTJ). Set to take place on Sept. 19-20, the two-day event will feature world-class speakers and equip journalists to better cover and recover from reporting traumatic stories.

The symposium is a collaboration between the Trust for Trauma Journalism and the Franklin College Pulliam School of Journalism. TTJ is dedicated to supporting journalists who cover violence, conflict, combat and catastrophe by providing crucial services and support before, during and after their assignments in challenging environments. The effects on journalists have long been overlooked and often mask themselves in high incidences of alcoholism, disintegration of personal relations and abandonment of the profession.

The symposium will be filled with opportunities to network and learn from nationally respected journalists and mental health professionals through workshops and panel discussions.

“We are honored to partner with the TTJ and host the National Trauma Journalism Symposium for the third year in a row,” said John Krull, Director of the Pulliam School of Journalism at Franklin College. “I’ve had students cover truly awful events—mass shootings, natural disasters—right out of school or even when they’re on internships. I’ve seen the toll such reporting imposes on them, and I’m grateful that there are people willing and eager to help them as they do these hard but essential jobs. That’s why we host this symposium—because the work done at it matters.”

“The National Trauma Journalism Symposium works to encompass all aspects of journalism and provide the resources and insight into recognizing and addressing the cumulative effects of recurring trauma on a profession twenty years behind in dealing with this injury,” stated Dana Cummings, Chief Operating Officer, Trust for Trauma Journalism.

Krull expressed deep gratitude to Sean and Scot Thomasson and their families for their pivotal role in launching this program back in 2022. “The symposium will have a profound impact on attendees and honor the legacy of the late Dan Thomasson, legendary Washington journalist and longtime Franklin College trustee,” Krull stated.

The symposium is designed not only for practicing journalists and journalism students but also for educators teaching these critical subjects in high schools and universities. Students studying psychology, social work, law enforcement and healthcare professions are encouraged to attend.

Scholarships for students are available by contacting Dana Cummings at dana@tramajournalism.org. For more information regarding participants, programming, registration and overnight accommodations, visit traumajournalism.org. Virtual attendance options are also available.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED Aug 13, 2024