The publication "A Practical, Ethical, and Safety Guide to Disaster Journalism," prepared by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications as a strategic reference work on disaster journalism—which plays a key role in shaping public opinion during disasters—has been released for the benefit of our citizens.
Journalism plays a key role in shaping public opinion and sentiment. In today’s world, numerous events and phenomena—including disasters—are largely received through the lens of media presentation and registered in collective memory accordingly.
Disaster journalism, as a distinct and specialised branch of traditional journalism, constitutes a communication practice that not only informs the public about existing or potential hazards but also provides comprehensive guidance on risk-reduction strategies, protection measures, relief, and response procedures, as well as methods to minimise potential impacts.
A disaster journalist constructs their reporting upon a three-pillar foundation: field competence, ethical principles, and safety requirements. The guide, prepared within the scope of the project funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme and titled “Disaster Journalism: Preventing the News from Turning into a Disaster,” sets out in detail the essential considerations journalists must take into account when reporting on disasters.
The guide, originally prepared in Turkish and English for the Disaster Journalism Training Panel, organised on December 2, 2025, by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications with international media professionals and academics in attendance, will also be published online in Spanish, Ukrainian, and Slovenian, with contributions provided by partner universities from EU member states.
Please click here to access the book "A Practical, Ethical and Safety Guide to Disaster Journalism."