To journalists covering the wildfires in California: Thank you

By Sheryl Worsley
Chair, RTDNA Board of Directors

As the nation witnesses the devastation sweeping across California in real time, I am reminded that we are vulnerable. I am also impressed by what I would call heroic efforts of reporters, video journalists, producers and others covering the fires responsibly, and with sympathy and compassion. 

When natural disasters strike, whatever the cause, local journalists jump into action in many cases for days at a time. Many news outlets have been in long-form continuous coverage since Tuesday. I have heard from broadcasters whose own homes are threatened and continue to work to make sure their communities are aware of the danger, which changes from moment to moment with the unpredictability of the winds. One notable news leader described doing live-shots from their car with their go-bag and their dog because their home was near an evacuation zone. 

These dedicated journalists are documenting and getting out the warning while suffering the trauma right along with their communities. For days in a row. 

I watched a TV broadcaster talk about his own home being threatened on live TV. Report after report from journalists who are documenting the devastation while experiencing devastation themselves. I thank you for being there for your community during such a stressful time. 

Please be safe. RTDNA has some suggestions for news leaders and journalists who have covered similar events. 

Take care of your families. 

When there is time, I encourage you to acknowledge your own trauma and take advantage of any mental health resources that may be available.  

RTDNA applauds your efforts to keep people in your communities safe. After the smoke has cleared — and we hope that will be soon — your work continues. There will be stories about why and how the fires started. About the reasons the fires got so big and what resources did or did not help in the fire repression efforts. There will be a needed inventory and review of if this can be prevented or what can be changed to mitigate more of the loss. Stories about preparation and future planning will be needed because this will not be the last time. Thank you for all you are doing. Your work is crucial to keeping people safe and is even saving lives.  

My best to you, your families and all your efforts. And, of course, our heartfelt good wishes for everyone impacted by this tragedy.

Sheryl Worsley is Chair of the RTDNA Board of Directors and Vice President of Podcasting at Bonneville International and KSL Podcasts in Salt Lake City. 

(Photo: Daniel Lincoln / Unsplash)