Media advisory: Journalism professor available to discuss Ferguson coverage, arrests of journalists, violence in media

LAWRENCE — Barbara Barnett, associate professor and associate dean of journalism at the University of Kansas, is available to speak with media about the ongoing unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, and media coverage and involvement in the case.

Several days of protests, riots and unrest have erupted in the St. Louis suburb after police shot and killed unarmed African-American teenager Michael Brown. Two journalists were arrested Aug. 13 while covering the story and claim they were battered, denied information on why they were arrested, who their arresting officers were and why they were told they could not film police in a public space. Today, President Barack Obama commented on the ongoing situation, saying "police have a responsibility to be open and transparent" and urging calm among community, media and protesters, saying, "Let's remember that we're all part of one American family."

Barnett can speak about media coverage, First Amendment protections for journalists, how violent events are presented in the media and the effects of covering violent and traumatic events on journalists. At KU she teaches classes on gender, violence and media, post-traumatic stress in relation to journalism, and gender and media. She has published research on journalists who cover post-traumatic stress and how journalists themselves can experience post-traumatic stress. She has presented her work to the Department of State. Barnett also teaches courses on media and the military and coordinated KU’s Media and the Military Project.

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.