The image of a bandaged man, dazed but alive, speaking from his hospital bed gripped the nation.
And yet, this bold act of frontline journalism has sparked fierce debate: was DJ Ollah performing a civic duty, or interfering with police work?
In Jan 2021, Simba Chikanza was slammed for rushing to interview the head of the COVID task force @oczmk during mourning around the time she was denying millions of people medical facilities by falsifying death statistics.
As critics question the ethics of both Ollah and @schikanza, the following scholarly sources support DJ Ollah’s decision to film and interview the Seke Road driver during the emergency — even if critics argue that only police should handle the driver’s questioning:
Holmberg & Olausson (2020) argue that journalists often function as “first responders,” providing essential real-time information and moral clarity during emergencies.
In the Seke Road context, DJ Ollah’s interview supports public understanding while official responders are on scene.
Senior emergency managers highlight that media interviews with firsthand witnesses — even before police statements — are vital for rapid, accurate public communication during accidents.
This 2024 study emphasizes the need for journalists to use “unofficial” sources — such as witnesses or survivors — alongside police and emergency officials to create a more complete and humanized narrative.
A 2013 Swedish study showed that press coverage can be helpful, aiding survivors to process trauma and understand what happened.
DJ Ollah’s interview with the driver may similarly assist both driver and community to make sense of the accident.
Forsberg warns against discarding interviews with involved parties too quickly.
Well-handled interviews with accident participants can validate and support those affected, but rushed abandonment can feel callous.
DJ Ollah’s approach, if empathetic, aligns with this “comfort before closure” ethic. 🔗 Read Full Article
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