The Emotional Toll of Reporting from
Danger Zones
Clive Myrie discussed his experiences in the field and how journalists can best protect their emotional wellbeing while on the job.
June 17, 2021.
Multi-award-winning journalist Clive Myrie and veteran freelancer Tira Shubart explored how freelance journalists can protect their emotional wellbeing while covering difficult stories, traumatic events, civil unrest and conflict. Clive discussed the psychological pressures of reporting from the frontline – whether in a conflict zone or a hospital during the peak of COVID-19.
Clive, one of the BBC’s most experienced foreign correspondents who has reported from over 80 countries around the world, shared his first-hand experiences on the pressures of reporting from dangerous places – and what he does to remain resilient when covering such stories. He offered insight into the emotional impact of working on traumatic and challenging stories, providing practical tips and advice on self-care for freelancers while on the job.
About the speakers:
Clive Myrie has worked for the BBC for more than 30 years and is a Trustee of the Rory Peck Trust. A foreign correspondent based in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Singapore, Washington, Paris and Brussels, he returned to London in 2010 to anchor BBC News programmes. Clive is the winner of numerous awards, and his work has been recognised by the Foreign Press Association, London Press Club, twice by the Prix Bayeux War Correspondents Awards, BAFTA, The Royal Television Society and the Emmys.
Tira Shubart is the Chair of the Rory Peck Trust and has worked as a news and documentary producer for British, Canadian and American television networks, covering stories in over 50 countries. She has worked extensively in East Africa, the Middle East, Eastern & Central Europe, South Asia, the former USSR & Russia as well as North, Central & South America. She co-authored the book Lifting the Veil: Life in Revolutionary Iran and has written for the UK and US press.