S6E6: S6E6 Look Again Podcast - Setting the Story Straight: Mental Illness in the News

In this episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, we examine how media coverage shapes public perceptions of mental illness; especially schizophrenia. Featuring insights from journalism professor and CBC journalist Kathryn Gretsinger, the conversation explores the ethical responsibilities of reporting on complex and sensitive issues. From breaking news to long-form storytelling, we look at how language, framing, and repetition can influence stigma, and how more thoughtful, trauma-informed journalism can foster understanding instead of harm. Timecodes: (02:40) Journalism ethics: truth, accuracy, fairness, balance (04:50) Do journalists shape public opinion? (06:15) Common misconceptions in news coverage (07:30) Why deeper reporting on root causes matters (10:15) The importance of listening in storytelling (12:20) Clickbait vs responsible journalism (14:43) Challenges of short-form reporting (16:45) Media literacy: how to verify information (18:00) Ethical reporting on vulnerable communities (20:21) Progress in Canadian mental health reporting (22:25) Final reflections: language, impact, and responsibility See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.