CNN, the industry leader in journalism safety training and research into post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is again teaming up with the world's foremost authority on PTSD in journalists, Dr Anthony Feinstein to initially fund a unique web based clinical and research facility. Available to all media organizations and journalists around the world the new website will provide a confidential and much needed self help resource for all journalists, even those who do not have access to a company supported PTSD resource. One of the innovative aspects to this service is that journalists will be able to use it while on assignment in zones of conflict. The creation of the new site was announced by Dr Feinstein and CNN at the annual NewsXchange conference taking place in Istanbul Turkey on November 2-3rd 2006. "Research over the past six years has shown that journalists and media workers assigned front-line assignments may develop symptoms of distress due to the escalating dangers confronted; said Dr Feinstein. "This new website will enable us to broaden our understanding of how journalists are responding emotionally to these challenges while also providing immediate feedback to those who are searching for answers and guidance." The web based program will allow journalists to complete self assessments with respect to symptoms of PTSD, depression, general psychological well being and alcohol and substance use. Immediate feedback with the option of a printout will be given to all web users. This can then be used to facilitate access to a family doctor or an Employee Assistance Program for therapy, if required. Future development of the site is to include versions in different languages. "Dr Feinstein's previous research has helped countless colleagues inside and outside of CNN, said Chris Cramer, managing director of CNN International. "This is an area of staff welfare that media companies need to address, particularly in an era where the media is seen as being fair game in many parts of the world." Further information as to how to access the new site will be announced shortly. CNN is the world's leading global 24-hour news network and one of the world's most respected and trusted sources for news and information. The CNN brand is available to two billion people via 25 CNN branded TV, internet and mobile services produced by CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System Inc and a Time Warner company. CNN International is the international directorate of CNN Worldwide and distributes news via 14 services in seven different languages. CNN International can be seen in almost 200 million television households and hotel rooms in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, including more than 30 million across the Asia Pacific region and online at www.cnn.com/international Note to editors Dr Anthony Feinstein is the world's leading authority on PTSD in journalists and is the author of "Journalists Under Fire: the Psychological Hazards of Covering War" published this year by the John Hopkins University Press. He is a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Canada. - end - |
