2020 and even 2021 have seen many media members deal with a dramatic presidential election, a deadly global pandemic, a national discussion over race and police brutality.
As a result, 2021 is called the year of the “Great Resignation,” following a published report by the Online News Association over its findings regarding media work culture. The ONA informed that journalists and media workers are departing the field, resulting in a talent gap.
Due to these findings, a Portland TV station KATU halted all of its news coverage Monday so its staff could attend training for on-the-job stress and trauma.
“NO NEWS MONDAY,” KATU News photojournalist Mike Warner tweeted. “Just a heads up, the @KATUNews morning and afternoon shows have been preempted and will NOT air on Monday, Sep. 27th.”
This training has garnered appreciation from media members across the country. Seattle’s KCPQ anchor Travis Mayfield tweeted, “Wow, this is really heartening to see. Thank you to the KATU management team for doing this.”
Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s WLWT Shaun Elliott also tweeted, “Good for KATU. Other stations should be following.”
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
