Transforming Crime Reporting with Compassion

By:Abilasha Kamalanathan

Tamara Cherry is an award-winning journalist, trauma researcher, and communications consultant who spent nearly 15 years reporting on crime in some of Canada's largest
newsrooms, including the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, and CTV News Toronto.
Throughout her career, she developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by trauma survivors in their interactions with the media. Tamara Cherry never set out to
become a crime reporter. In fact, when she entered journalism school, she imagined a career writing for a snowboarding magazine. But fate had other plans. A deeply
emotional interview during her first internship at the Regina Leader-Post changed everything. Speaking with a woman who had lost her father to Alzheimer’s disease,
Cherry realized the power of storytelling to evoke emotion and inspire change. From that moment on, she was drawn to stories that mattered stories that could make people
care.

Her path took an unexpected turn when she applied for a general assignment internship at the Toronto Star, only to be placed in the radio room, a position she had never heard of. There, she monitored emergency scanners, worked the phones, and filed breaking news stories. She had a knack for it. That experience led to an opportunity to temporarily fill in for one of the Star’s crime reporters, and soon, she was covering crime full-time.
During her early years, Cherry was guided by two forces: her heart, which pushed her to shed light on injustice and inspire change, and the expectations of her newsroom, where the pressure to beat the competition was relentless. However, at the time, she lacked an understanding of trauma-informed reporting. Though her intentions were good, she later realized that her approach had sometimes caused harm, as she had not been trained to navigate the ethical and emotional complexities of crime reporting.
One case that stayed with her was the homicide of Boris Cikovic. Cherry covered his story extensively, forming a deep emotional connection with his parents. Over the years, the memory of their loss continued to bring her to tears. But it wasn’t until she stepped away from daily crime reporting that she fully recognized the toll her work had taken on her.

Covering crime takes a toll

The emotional weight of covering violence and tragedy built up over time. She often cried while writing or editing stories and during her drives home. But she didn’t initially recognize the cumulative impact. The realization hit her years later, while on maternity leave, when a news story about a child struck by a vehicle left her inconsolable.
Eventually, she began researching her symptoms and learned she was suffering from  vicarious trauma. Despite a negative first experience with therapy, she sought help
again after another emotional collapse years later.
Looking back, Cherry sees that newsrooms were largely unequipped to address the psychological strain of crime reporting. Aside from occasional congratulatory emails with
reminders about employee assistance programs, there was little support for journalists dealing with trauma.
Her experiences eventually led her to write The Trauma Beat, a book exploring the impact of crime reporting on journalists and the people they cover. What started as
personal research became a reckoning, not only for Cherry but for the journalism industry. Revisiting painful memories was the hardest part of writing the book, especially
as she came to terms with the unintended harm she may have caused.
One of the biggest misconceptions she addresses is the belief that journalists are only after the scoop. In reality, most enter the profession hoping to make a difference.
However, many struggle to validate their own suffering, feeling they have no right to trauma when the real victims are the people they report on. This often prevents them
from seeking help.
Stepping away from daily crime reporting gave Cherry a new perspective. At one point, she couldn’t imagine ever returning to it. She even turned down an opportunity to host a
radio show, fearing she would be exposed to breaking news that could retraumatize her.
For a while, she resented those who had failed to warn her about the emotional risks of the job or provide proper support. Now, having done the work to heal, she feels equipped to report on trauma in a way that is both responsible and restorative.

Being a voice for victims

Cherry’s key message to journalists is clear: You cannot take care of yourself unless you take care of the people you report on. She has spent years in therapy addressing
vicarious trauma, but even more time working through the moral injury caused by the job. While discussions about journalists’ mental health are becoming more common,
she believes there needs to be greater focus on how reporting practices themselves contribute to that trauma.
Through her research, Cherry uncovered something deeply troubling: Many standard elements of crime reporting showing body bags, broadcasting grief-stricken families,
playing audio of gunshots are harmful. Yet, trauma survivors were eager to speak about their experiences with the media, often expressing relief that someone was finally
asking them about it.
Throughout her career, certain stories were harder to cover than others. Cases involving children or those that reminded her of family members were particularly difficult. She
developed a fear that her younger brother would die in a traffic accident, and after becoming a mother, she couldn’t look at her children without recalling the faces of the
young victims she had reported on.

Cherry’s relationships with victims, families, and law enforcement shaped her views on crime reporting. She always felt a duty to get the story right and to amplify the voices of
those suffering. However, she often wished she could set aside her reporter role and simply be there to comfort them. In hindsight, she realizes that traditional crime
reporting can be extractive rather than collaborative, and she now advocates for an approach that prioritizes ethical storytelling.
Despite the emotional challenges, Cherry never considered leaving crime reporting while she was in it. She loved the job. When she finally left, it wasn’t because of the toll
it had taken but because she wanted more time with her children. The full weight of her experiences hit her only after she stepped away.
Today, as the founder of Pickup Communications, Cherry is committed to reshaping how journalists cover trauma and crime. Through her work, she aims to foster a journalism
culture that prioritizes both accuracy and compassion. By addressing the psychological impact of crime reporting and advocating for trauma-informed practices, she hopes to
create a future where journalists and the people they report on are protected from unnecessary harm.

by Abilasha Kamalanathan

The Canadian Journalists Association has launched the Canadian News Peer Support (CNIPS) Program, a new initiative designed to foster a supportive community for media workers navigating work-related challenges. This program provides a space where journalists can share their experiences, find encouragement, and develop resilience in their professional lives. While CNIPS is not a counseling service, it offers peer-driven support that helps individuals manage stress and maintain well-being.

The CNIPS initiative is supported by several major organizations, including The Globe and Mail, CBC, Unifor, the Canadian Press, the Canadian Media Guild, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, and the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma. This backing ensures that peer supporters receive professional training and access to expert advisory panels to help them effectively assist their colleagues. As a CNIPS volunteer, responsibilities include active listening, sharing personal experiences, empowering peers, maintaining confidentiality, and providing resources. Volunteers will help media professionals build confidence, develop coping strategies, and access valuable support networks. Ideal candidates are compassionate, adaptable, and committed to making a positive impact.

To become a peer supporter, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. They should have a minimum of two years of experience in the Canadian news industry, demonstrate empathy, and enjoy helping others. Additionally, they must be willing to hold confidential chats once or twice a month and complete an online training program. In return, peer supporters gain access to a national support network and receive professional training to help them effectively assist their peers. Interested applicants can submit their applications through the Canadian Journalists Association website. The deadline for applications is [April 1st 2025 ]. Join CNIPS today and contribute to a stronger, more resilient media community!