journalists at Death Cafe events
Posted by hjyoung on April 21, 2017, 6:02 p.m. 3 comments
I will be hosting my first Death Cafe next week and a journalist has asked if she can visit to write a story about the event. I appreciate what you've posted on this website about journalists at the sessions but I'm wondering if people who attend the event might be restrained or intimidated or even feel that they privacy is being invaded, even if the journalist agrees not to publish names. What has been your experience with this? Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions you can provide.
Comments
This is a common question. On one hand it's great to get the word out about this work but even more important is the integrity of the Death Cafe session itself. As such there is no obligation to admit the journalist, this is at the facilitator's discretion. Certainly people should be informed in advance if a film crew is there but not necessarily if a print journalist is attending. And sometimes journalists just turn up unannounced anyway! People should definitely be informed that a journalist is there and then there are 3 options for the actual Death Cafe: 1. Whole session is off the record but the journo can interview people before and after 2. Certain people are off the record and certain people are happy to be quoted 3. Whole session is on the record. This is for you and the group to decide. Hope that helps and others please do share tips. Jon
Posted by Jon Underwood
I am glad you asked this. I am in the exact same position. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Paula Courage
Thank you for posting this! I just spoke to a journalist who wants to do pretty much what Jon Underwood suggested would be the way to do it if the facilitators agree.
Very helpful, thank you!
Posted by Naomi Wilansky