Call for Papers: Edited Book

Title: Silent Echoes: Navigating Trauma in African Journalism

Editors: Dr. Kealeboga Aiseng (Rhodes University), Dr. Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam (Rhodes University), and Mrs Thandeka Gqubule-Mbeki (Rhodes University).

Introduction:

The journalism practice is marked by both valor and vulnerability. Journalists often confront significant and diverse traumas as an inherent part of their profession. These traumas can manifest in various forms, including exposure to violence, working in conflict zones and politically charged environments, witnessing atrocities, online harassment, and ethical dilemmas. These traumatic events can lead to a range of adverse psychological effects, leaving journalists with altered world assumptions (Pyvich et al., 2003). Research suggests that between 80% and 100% of journalists have been exposed to a work-related traumatic event and may experience repeated exposure (Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma, 2015). Despite this, most journalists exhibit resilience and do not always develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) or other psychiatric disorders (Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma, 2015). Also, journalists exposed to physical danger hardly receive organizational support from their employers (Beam & Spratt, 2009) or sufficient support from law enforcement. However, journalists are still at risk of developing trauma or compassion fatigue, which can lead to burnout and other adverse outcomes.

Trauma journalism has been researched widely in the global north context but not so much in the global south context, such as Africa. And this is where the significance of the book lies. Journalism in Africa is a dynamic and often perilous profession, marked by the pursuit of truth in the face of diverse challenges. Moreover, in the vibrant tapestry of African journalism, the pursuit of truth is often woven with threads of resilience and fortitude. However, beneath the headlines and breaking news, there exists a silent dimension – the echoes of trauma experienced by journalists. This edited book, Silent Echoes: Navigating Trauma in African Journalism, seeks to explore the nuanced and complex dimension of trauma experienced by journalists in the African context. By delving into the unique challenges, coping mechanisms, and resilience of journalists across the continent, this collection aims to shed light on the often-unspoken aspects of reporting in diverse and often tumultuous environments.

This book seeks to amplify the voices of journalists who navigate trauma in Africa and aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the profession's challenges, resilience, and coping mechanisms. We invite diverse perspectives and research approaches from scholars, researchers, and practitioners to enrich the discourse on journalism trauma in the African context. The book will shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of journalism in Africa.

Themes:

We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

1. Violence and Harassment in Offline Contexts:

• Examining the impact of physical and psychological violence on journalists in Africa.
• Analyzing instances of harassment, intimidation, and threats faced by newsmakers and media professionals in the pursuit of their work.

1. Digital Threats, Intimidation, and Surveillance:

• Assessing the degrees and impacts of threats and intimidation journalists face in the digital realm, including cyberbullying, trolling, cyberstalking, official and unofficial surveillance, and online harassment.

1. Psychological and Emotional Trauma:

• Investigating the psychological toll of reporting on conflict, disease outbreaks, human rights abuses, corruption, and other sensitive topics.
• Exploring the emotional challenges of witnessing and documenting events in African journalism.

1. Official Censorship and Self-Censorship:

• Analyzing the effects of government censorship and pressure on journalistic practices.
• Exploring instances of self-censorship as a coping mechanism in environments with restricted press freedom.

1. Community, Social, and Digital Support:

• Investigating the role of community, social, and digital networks in mitigating trauma for journalists.
• Exploring initiatives and support systems within journalism communities addressing mental health and well-being.

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstracts: Please submit a 300-500 word abstract outlining your proposed chapter's focus, methodology, and key arguments.
• Author information: Include a brief bio (150 words) for each contributing author.
• Deadline for Abstract Submission: 31st January 2024.
• Notification of Acceptance: 15th February 2024
• Full Chapter Submission Deadline: 30th July 2024

Submission Email: K.aiseng@ru.ac.za; Chikezie.uzuegbunam@ru.ac.za;  Mbekithandeka@gmail.com

Publication Details:

Routledge is the intended publisher for the book.

References

Beam, R.A. & Spratt, M. (2009). Managing vulnerability: Job satisfaction, morale and journalists’ reactions to violence and trauma. Journalism Practice. 3(4): 421–438.

Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma. (2015). Covering Trauma: Impact on Journalists. Accessed on 12th October 2023 from World Wide Web < https://dartcenter.org/content/covering-trauma-impact-on-journalists>

Pyevich, C.M. Newman, E. & Deleiden, E. (2003). The relationship among cognitive schemas, job-related traumatic exposure, and posttraumatic stress disorder in journalists. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 16(4): 325–328.