History's First Draft

Trauma is often a silent companion for journalists as they navigate the frontlines of history. In this SBS News podcast, Ciara Hain delves into the personal stories of journalists who’ve witnessed history unfold firsthand. From war zones to natural disasters, each episode explores the untold emotional journeys behind the headlines. Hear intimate accounts of the sacrifices, challenges, and resilience of those who bring us the news and gain a deeper understanding of the human side of journalism, and the lasting impact it has on those who report it.

How the media industry is addressing journalist trauma: Bruce Shapiro

Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? History's First Draft is an SBS News podcast series unraveling the psychological journey journalists undertake to bring us the news. In this episode, journalist and author Bruce Shapiro breaks down the psychology behind reporting on major world events, and shares his insights on how PTSD and burnout can be avoided.

06-18
10:20

Covering the Turkiye-Syria earthquakes: Claudia Farhart

Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? History's First Draft is an SBS News podcast series unravelling the psychological journey journalists undertake to bring us the news. In this episode, Claudia Farhart shares her experience covering the 2023 Turkiye-Syria earthquakes.

06-10
11:52

Reporting on tragedy from within your own community: Michelle Stanley

Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? History's First Draft is an SBS News podcast series unravelling the psychological journey journalists undertake to bring us the news. In this episode, Michelle Stanley shares her experience covering a house fire in regional Western Australia which killed three children.

06-03
12:06

The cumulative effect of reporting from crisis zones: Nick Ludlam

Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? History's First Draft is an SBS News podcast series unravelling the psychological journey journalists undertake to bring us the news. In this episode, Nick Ludlam shares his experience consistently covering hostile environments around the world for over a decade.

05-27
14:00

Covering the Black Summer Bushfires: Lara Coffey

Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? History's First Draft is an SBS News podcast series unravelling the psychological journey journalists undertake to bring us the news. In this episode, Lara Coffey shares her experience covering the Black Summer Bushfires.

05-20
11:54

Reporting from the Christchurch earthquake: Allan Lee

Journalism has been described as the first rough draft of history, with reporters often bearing witness to the world’s most awful and awe-inspiring events. But what is the emotional toll after being on the front lines of history? History's First Draft is a new SBS News podcast series unravelling the psychological journey journalists undertake to bring us the news. In this episode, Allan Lee shares his experience covering the 2011 Christchuch earthquake.

05-13
10:23

Coming soon: History's First Draft

Journalists on the front line, bearing witness to world-altering and life-changing moments. Informing the public and holding those in power to account. But what is the emotional toll of that responsibilty? History's First Draft unravels the psychological journey journalists undertake to bring us the news.

05-06
01:31

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