What are the fundamental guidelines journalists should follow when reporting on crisis incidents?

This is a great question. In fact, many of these principles apply not only to journalists but also to ordinary people when sharing information on social media. If I were a frontline journalist covering a disaster or an emergency, these are the core principles I would constantly keep in mind:

1. Truth, truth, and still truth. This is the most fundamental and crucial bottom line. In times of crisis, rumors spread rapidly, and people's emotions are already heightened. Unverified information can easily trigger widespread panic. Therefore, no matter how fast you want to be, accuracy always takes precedence. Any information I receive, no matter how "explosive," must be cross-verified and come from reliable sources before being published. It's better to be a step slower than to report something incorrectly.

2. Treat people as human beings, and maintain the utmost goodwill. Victims and their families at the scene are experiencing the most painful moments of their lives. At such a time, shoving a camera in their faces or asking cruel questions like, "How do you feel right now?" is highly unethical. I would keep my distance, avoid interfering with rescue efforts, refrain from exposing the bodies of the deceased, and allow them their final dignity. The purpose of reporting is to inform the outside world and seek help, not to satisfy the morbid curiosity of onlookers. Before pressing the shutter or asking a question, I would ask myself: "If this were my family on the other side of the lens, would I accept this?"

3. Maintain objectivity and calmness; don't let emotions dominate reporting. Journalists are human too, and witnessing tragic scenes will undoubtedly bring sadness and anger. However, a professional journalist must separate personal emotions from news reporting. My job is to tell the public "what happened," not "how I feel about it." I would strive to present all aspects of the event as comprehensively as possible, avoiding reliance on a single perspective or using highly emotional language to incite public sentiment.

4. Consider the social impact of reporting. In a crisis, news reporting serves as both a compass and a tranquilizer. Beyond reporting the event itself, it's even more important to provide useful information. For example, which roads are closed, where are the shelters, what supplies are needed, what are the official emergency contact numbers... This kind of information can genuinely help people. At the same time, it's crucial to actively take on the responsibility of debunking rumors, using facts to dismantle misinformation, and helping to stabilize public emotions, rather than amplifying conflict and panic for the sake of traffic.

5. Protect yourself. This includes not only physical safety but also mental health. Frontline journalists often face traumatic scenes, which can have a profound psychological impact. Only when one is safe and stable can they produce professional and reliable reports.

In summary, a good journalist in the face of disaster needs not only swift professional response capabilities but also a deep sense of empathy and a profound sense of social responsibility. They should be a calm observer, a rigorous recorder, and, most importantly, a compassionate provider of information.