Newhouse to host roundtable on coverage of violence

Newhouse to host roundtable on coverage of violenceMarch 17, 2003Nicci Brownnicbrown@syr.edu

The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is one of the co-sponsors of a discussion on the media’s coverage of domestic violence, to be held Tuesday, March 18. “The Whole Story: A Roundtable Discussion of the Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence” is also sponsored by Vera House and The Syracuse Press Club. It will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Studio A of Newhouse I, and will be facilitated by Joan Deppa, associate professor of journalism at the Newhouse School.

“The media can be a help or a hindrance when it comes to increasing public awareness and understanding of domestic violence,” says Randi K. Bregman, executive director of Vera House, and a participant in the roundtable discussion. “If a reporter describes an abusive situation as a ‘lovers fight’ or an ‘argument that has gotten out of hand’ it serves to lessen the seriousness of domestic violence. It’s important for reporters to choose their words carefully – and not take things straight from police reports, which are mostly designed for internal use.” Bregman says the media can help educate the public about domestic violence by reporting an incident of abuse in its full context, and informing people about resources and legal options that can help.

The roundtable discussion is free and is expected to draw media representatives and communications students from throughout Central New York.