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The paradox of documenting history through gruesome visuals depicting the prominence of stories intrigues media researchers. Foundational work on the dual representation theory explains trauma transference to brain functions following disturbing emotional triggers. The analysis suggests an existing link between exposure to disturbing information and trauma. In East Africa, trauma and related psychological effects thrive amid rigid newsroom structures devoid of intervention mechanisms. The scarcity of trauma mitigations is not just an issue in journalism, but in society, as mental health concerns and other deprivations become common. Data from in-depth interviews with journalists reporting trauma in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda indicate a positive correlation between a heightened frequency of exposure to violent visuals and an increased manifestation of trauma. Data also show a dearth in psychosocial support, indicating a need for alternative mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reporting Covid-19 has been a complex issue. Journalists strive to balance observing the privacy of their sources and the right of the public to know (Bezanson 1992). The concept of privacy is complicated given the competing rights. In reporting Covid-19, the Kenyan media, while observing the public's right to know, risked encroaching on the privacy of individuals. This paper explores challenges of Kenyan media in tackling these issues. It argues that the greater good, which is the public's right to education and information, should prevail in perilous times such as this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]