For Reporting on Mass Shootings
HELPFUL MEDIA COVERAGE CAN
HARMFUL MEDIA COVERAGE CAN
TOP 3 THINGS WE WANT YOU TO KNOW
INSTEAD OF THIS
WARNING SIGNS OF MASS SHOOTINGS
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR REPORTING
How you report on violence, including mass violence, domestic violence, and suicide can influence and impact others.
Do not oversimplify or sensationalize the incident because it may encourage people who may seek notoriety. (e.g. do not say, "The deadliest incident since Columbine.")
Report on victims and how communities and the nation can mobilize to support victims and prevent future shootings.
Avoid reporting that increases misunderstanding and prejudice of mental illness and include information about treatment and prevention. A mental health diagnosis is not necessarily or causally related to violence.
Avoid stigmatizing the community where the incident occurred or the people targeted by the perpetrator.
Minimize reporting on the perpetrators as others might identify with or be inspired by them.
Use the perpetrator's photo sparingly, especially in follow-up stories, except if police are still looking for the perpetrator or for other victims.
Remember that families, including those of the perpetrator, are deeply affected and traumatized by the incident. Be sensitive when conducting interviews.
Avoid putting photos of the perpetrator side by side with a victim.