ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Berrington, E., & Jemphrey, A. (2003). Pressures on the press: Reflections on reporting tragedy. Journalism: theory, practice, criticism, 4(2), 225-248. doi: 10.1177/146488490342005

   The authors, Eileen Berrington and Ann Jemphrey, a lecturer and a research coordinator respectively of critical criminology at Edge Hill College of Higher Education in the United Kingdom, despite not being involved professionally in the journalism field, effectively evaluate the role of journalists in sourcing and collecting information during disaster or other traumatic events, citing many other academic sources to ensure the credibility of the article as a whole. The authors argue the point of ‘primary definers’, that is official sources, usually the police and other authoritative organisations, playing highly constrictive roles in the collection of information for journalists during tragic incidents. Referring to the 1977 Dunblane, Scotland school shooting, the authors cite interviews from journalists and other individuals involved, to qualitatively support the hypotheses that journalists are more likely to turn to unofficial sources, such as rumours and individual opinions, as ‘primary definers’ for information during tragic events, as a result of ethical and moral limitations on authorities. In conclusion, Berrington & Jemphrey link the ethical, moral and situational understandings of the Dunblane incident to the conduct of other journalists when reporting on tragedy in the future as a series of recommendations. Although published in 2003, the authors’ use of substantial academic citations and data assist in supporting the relevance of the claims and stance made towards the shift of ‘primary definers’ during tragic events.


ABC. (Producer), Eastley, T. (Presenter) & Caldwell, A. (Presenter). (2006, May 9). Miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb have been freed. [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-05-09/miners-todd-russell-and-brant-webb-have-been-freed/1749306  

   Tony Eastley, the longest serving ABC AM Radio presenter, also regarded as one of the ABC’s most experienced journalists, collaborates with Alison Caldwell, an award-winning journalist now reporting for ABC Radio Current Affairs, beginning the audio piece by discussing the surprisingly good health of the miners when brought to the surface. Caldwell, who is at the scene at the time, refers to rescue worker Glenn Burns, who first saw the two miners during the rescue mission, elaborating on the exact process, procedures and events surrounded the miner’s release. Burns, expressing his personal inferences regarding the mental and physical strength of the miners, reconfirms the stance taken by Caldwell & Eastley throughout the piece, that of reporting in awe of the two men’s courage and determination. Caldwell & Eastley conclude the piece with a statement evaluating the strength of the two miners, proposing their return to full health to be an eminent occurrence. Similar to that of O’Brien, the reliability associated with the ABC as an accurate news provider ensures that, despite not being able to see the individuals or prove that what is said is not falsified, the story’s credibility is unaffected. As an audio medium, the presence of background noise and the conversation of others heard during the interview also assists in enhancing the credibility of the piece.

 ABC News. (Producer), & O’Brien, J. (Presenter). (2006, May 9). Trapped miners rescued after 2 weeks underground. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnCxyAMwa6o

   Although perhaps not the author of the report itself, Joe O’Brien, an employee of the ABC, nonetheless effectively presents the breaking news bulletin for the ABC News television channel regarding the rescue of the Beaconsfield Miners. O’Brien, a presenter and reporter with the ABC since 1995, begins the piece by assuming the stance that the news of Brant Webb and Todd Russell’s rescue will be met with relief and positivity by the Australian people. Footage of the two miners being released from the mine is then shown, whilst O’Brien further discusses the events of the rescue, including how the miners were released and a brief timeline of the rescue, in voiceover. As an element of citation, the ‘at-the-scene’ footage used enhances the credibility of the piece as a breaking news bulletin, reassuring viewing audiences of the reliability of the ABC as a source for up-to-date news. In concluding the piece, O’Brien refers to the relief felt by the entire town of Beaconsfield towards the rescue of the miners, once again reiterating the positive stance taken throughout the piece. In comparison, the article presented by Tippet et. al. refers to both the positivity of the rescue as well as the saddening elements relating to the mine disaster, demonstrating a more quantitative and accurate stance towards the event overall.  

Tippet, G., Darby, A., Doherty, B., & Cubby, B. (2006, May 9).  Free at last. The Sydney Morning Herald, p. 1. Retrieved from Factiva database. 

   The authors, reporters from The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Fairfax Media in general, demonstrate a varied yet experienced understanding of journalism when reporting on the rescue of the Beaconsfield miners, continually referring to both the positive and negative aspects of the event. The authors begin by using descriptive language to effectively paint an emotional picture of the rescue scene and of the individuals present, alternating between the Beaconsfield community’s positive reaction to the rescue and their sympathy and sadness in regards to the death of third miner Larry Knight, information unmentioned in the piece by O’Brien. The events leading up to and following the rescue of the miners are then described in great detail, the authors citing several official ‘primary definers’ as understood from Berrington & Jemphrey to accurately achieve this. The authors conclude the article on a positive note, highlighting the overwhelming relief felt by the nation in regards to the rescue, reaffirming the emotional angle taken throughout the article. Comparatively, the article by Tippet et. al., as a print medium, elaborated and evaluated certain aspects of the rescue not included in the short audio article presented by Caldwell & Eastley. The array of qualitative information presented, as well as the assumed accuracy associated with the collaboration of multiple reliable authors, enhanced the relevance and credibility of the article as a useful citation.