As I am covering the sensitive topic of suicide, I must think about how I'm going to interview David and about how the audience may be affected. I will need to be patient and respect David by allowing as much time needed when interviewing. Research has shown that inappropriate reporting of suicide may lead to ‘imitative’ behaviour. For example, if vulnerable people with mental health problems are shown/provided with details about the method of suicide, it can lead to more deaths using the same method.
I have studied the Samaritans’ Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide which was produced following research with journalists and editors in the media industry. They provide practical recommendations for reporting suicide across all media such as, steering away from melodramatic depictions of suicide and advice on how to inform and educate the audience correctly. Discussion of issues like suicide can encourage a better understanding of the topic.
I have also looked at reportingonsuicide.org for more information about reporting on suicide carefully.
Coverage can change public misperceptions which can encourage those who are vulnerable or at risk to seek help. Below are a few Do's and Don'ts that I found useful on the website and will be thinking about when creating my TV documentary.
As I'm targeting my TV doc for the BBC, I thought it would be a good idea to look over the BBC Editorial Guidelines around suicide. Section 5: Harm and Offence explains that suicide and attempted suicide should be portrayed with great sensitivity, whether in drama or in factual programmes, "Factual reporting and fictional portrayal of suicide, attempted suicide and self-harm have the potential to make such actions appear possible, and even appropriate, to the vulnerable."
When talking to David about when he wanted to take his own life, I'll have to think carefully about what can be shown on screen. Care must be taken to avoid describing David's suicide method in explicit detail. Sensitive use of language is also very important. Suicide was decriminalised in 1961 and since then the use of the term "commit suicide" is considered offensive by some people. "Take one's life" or "kill oneself" are the BBC's preferable alternatives.
The guidelines also advice on considering whether a helpline or support material should be provided, or linked to, when covering such issues.