A major factor in newsroom trauma is the lack of control. Office staff often have graphic material unexpectedly thrust upon them as part of their job. The Bharat Media Association advocates for the absolute “right to refuse.” Junior researchers and fact-checkers must have a clear organizational pathway to decline highly graphic or triggering assignments without facing any career penalties. Fact-checking protocols should dictate that if a staff member is not actively working on a specific fact-check, they should never be exposed to its violent imagery.
