Inaugural lecture: Professor Lisa Bradley

Inaugural lecture: 'Breaking News'

Trauma has long been embedded within the practice of journalism, spanning coverage from war zones to courtrooms and humanitarian crises. Since the earliest days of the printed press, journalists have been repeatedly exposed to distressing events, both directly and vicariously. Contemporary research indicates that significant numbers of journalists experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress, not only among war correspondents but also among local reporters who routinely cover stories involving violence, abuse, and human suffering. Accounts gathered during this study highlight exposure to terrorist attacks, child abuse trials, natural disasters, and graphic crime scenes. Despite these experiences, journalists are expected to continue reporting, often in real time. Historically, such exposure has been normalised as an occupational hazard. However, increasing evidence of journalists leaving the profession due to psychological strain, alongside rising reports of trauma-related health conditions, suggests systemic failures in industry support. Early-career journalists are particularly vulnerable, with some reporting exposure to extreme content shortly after entering the field. This raises urgent concerns about preparedness and protection.

Journalism has frequently been described as a “fourth emergency service,” with reporters bearing witness to the same traumatic events as first responders. Unlike these services, however, journalists are rarely equipped with structured mental health support and may experience additional distress due to their role as observers rather than active responders. Recent developments, such as the integration of trauma awareness and resilience training into UK journalism accreditation standards, signal a growing recognition of this issue. Addressing trauma in journalism is essential to safeguarding both practitioners and the future integrity of the profession.

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Professor Lisa Bradley was a national journalist and regional newspaper editor specialising in crime reporting. She has won numerous national awards for both her journalism and her teaching. As well as her role in the School of Information, Journalism and Communication, Lisa is a board member of the National Council of Training for Journalists (NCTJ) and a published author of four mass market commercial fiction novels. She is also co-editor of Journalism as the Fourth Emergency Service.