In an era where disasters have become an integral part of daily life, the role of well-trained journalists in reporting such events has gained critical importance. The ability of journalists to report disasters effectively and accurately not only ensures the dissemination of reliable information but also helps mitigate the negative impact of these events on societies.

Recognizing the need for specialized training in disaster journalism, the Disaster Journalism: Preventing the News from Turning into a Disaster Project (2023-2-TR01-KA220-HED-000176222) aims to bridge the gap in journalism education through a comprehensive curriculum dedicated to disaster reporting. Supported by the Turkish National Agency, this book has been developed as part of a European Union Erasmus KA220 Project in collaboration with Selçuk University, Turkish Presidency of Directory of Communication, the Radio and Television Supreme Council, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, University of Vigo, University of Primorska, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

The Disaster Journalism Course Curriculum is designed to provide undergraduate students with practical knowledge and applicable skills to ensure accurate, ethical, and effective reporting during disasters. This curriculum has been published in Spanish, Turkish, Slovenian, English, and Ukrainian.

The first chapter, “Defining Disasters,” provides a comprehensive perspective on disasters by defining key concepts related to disasters and examining the institutional and legal frameworks of disaster management. This section explores the roles of governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, as well as the regulations governing disaster management.

The second chapter, “Communication in Disaster Processes,” focuses on the importance of effective communication during disaster periods, the tools used for communication, and strategies for managing crises. It primarily explains the correct strategies for effective communication and public perception management during disasters.

The third chapter, “Socio-Psychological Preparedness in Disaster Reporting,” examines extraordinary situations that arise during disasters and highlights the importance of strategies aimed at mitigating the socio-psychological effects of disasters. This section aims to prepare future journalists for the psychological impacts of disasters by addressing potential traumas and challenges, stress management techniques, and ways to enhance psychological resilience.

The fourth chapter, “Physical Preparedness in Disaster Reporting,” focuses on equipping journalists with the necessary skills to ensure personal safety, conduct risk assessments, and develop emergency planning during disasters. This section discusses identifying potential hazards in disaster zones, understanding the legal permits required for reporting, and developing the ability to work under extreme physical conditions.

The fifth chapter, “Reporting Disasters Accurately,” examines information-gathering processes during disasters, ensuring impartiality and transparency in disaster news, and maintaining the correct context in disaster reporting. It emphasizes the importance of news organizations establishing accurate broadcasting policies during disasters while explaining the practices that enable journalists to report disasters fairly and accurately.

The sixth chapter, “Verification Processes in Disaster Reporting,” highlights the importance of verifying information obtained during disasters, particularly from news sources and social media, to prevent misinformation. It outlines the steps journalists should follow to ensure accuracy and emphasizes the necessity of collaborating with local, national, and international news agencies. Additionally, the role of expert opinions in verification processes is discussed.

The seventh chapter, “Ethics in Disaster Reporting,” addresses key principles such as avoiding sensationalism, maintaining ethical values, and respecting the privacy and dignity of disaster victims. It also explores the role of visual representation in disaster reporting and explains how ethical journalism can contribute to social recovery.

The eighth chapter, “Visual Dimension in Disaster Reporting,” focuses on producing and analysing visual content in disaster news within ethical boundaries. This section explains how to use visuals responsibly without violating legal limits or disregarding human sensitivities. It also discusses the role of visuals in preserving social memory and shaping public perception while enhancing journalists’ visual content creation skills.

The ninth chapter, “Empathy in Disaster Reporting,” explores how journalists can integrate empathy into disaster news coverage while avoiding the dramatization of victims and events. It highlights the importance of maintaining ethical standards while reporting crises and offers practical guidance on how journalists can report disasters with empathy.

The tenth chapter, “Writing Disaster News,” examines the technical and ethical principles of disaster news writing and emphasizes its societal importance. Through case studies and practical examples, this chapter provides journalism students with the necessary skills to write accurate and responsible disaster news.

The eleventh chapter, “Editorial Oversight in Disaster Reporting,” focuses on the editorial processes involved in disaster news writing, outlining content and structural standards. It highlights the necessity of strong editorial skills for journalists during disaster coverage and presents successful examples of disaster journalism.

The twelfth chapter, “Redaction in Disaster News,” explores techniques for editing disaster news to enhance accuracy and readability. It discusses textual and visual coherence, effective headlines, and strategic language use. This section provides journalism students with essential techniques for crafting reliable and engaging disaster news.

The thirteenth chapter, “Combating Disinformation in Disaster Processes,” examines the spread and impact of misinformation during disasters. It emphasizes the role of disaster journalists in preventing false information, maintaining public trust, and combating disinformation through best practices and case studies.

The fourteenth chapter, “Journalism in Healing Disaster Wounds,” explores the role of journalists in fostering social solidarity during disasters. It highlights the power of unity and discusses the importance of journalists in balancing government policies with societal needs while contributing to public diplomacy.

The final chapter, “Use of Technology in Disaster Journalism,” addresses the role of technology in disaster reporting, focusing on how journalists can collect, produce, and disseminate information using digital tools. It examines key technological resources such as emergency alert systems, social media, drones, satellite imaging, data analytics, and mobile applications, providing insights into their practical applications in crisis reporting.