Coping with the media

For most bereaved people their grief is a private matter, shared with family and friends. Their only contact with the media is to place a death notice in the appropriate newspaper if they choose to do so.

Some deaths such as a result of an accident, a major disaster, suicide or homicide do attract the attention of journalists. Some families may welcome this opportunity to tell the story of what has happened but for others it seems an unbearable intrusion into their family tragedy. Help is available if this is the case.

If police have been involved in investigating the death, a family liaison officer will be able to offer advice on issuing a statement to the media using the police press office. Usually hospitals also have a public relations department which may be able to assist if the death has taken place in a hospital.

Ofcom, the Office of Communications, has a Code for broadcasters (i.e. TV and radio) which states that they should not take or broadcast film or audio recordings of people who have suffered a personal tragedy unless it is warranted or the people concerned have given consent. Obviously what is thought to be warranted in the public interest is a matter of debate. In particular, broadcasters should be careful not to reveal the identity of anyone who has died until it is clear that next of kin  have been informed or broadcasting is warranted (e.g. police have requested the identity be released because they have been unable to trace next of kin). Ofcom can only respond to complaints after a programme has been broadcast if it is believed to have been an intrusion into privacy. If it is thought that the programme content was inaccurate that concern should be addressed directly to the broadcaster.

There is a 24 hour emergency number (agreed by Ofcom and the Press Complaints Commission [print media]) that a family can telephone if they feel harrassed  because large numbers of journalists have gathered. Staff on the number will forward the family's concerns but cannot guarantee that journalists will withdraw. The number is 07659 152 656. This is called a 'desist' message.

If you are concerned about publicity that may appear in a newspaper or magazine (including their on-line sites) you can seek the advice of the Press Complaints Commission who may be able to speak with the publication to ensure the Editors' Code of Practice about respect for privacy is adhered to.

Press Complaints Commission Helpline: 0845 6002757
            Textphone (main switchboard) 020 7831 0123