Journalists and their news organizations have a unique and exceptionally important role to play when covering a national crisis. The current situation--with multiple terrorist attacks on our country – demands that we be at our professional best.

Among the toughest assignments is interviewing victims and their families. It is inescapable that we are intrusive during these horrific moments. But we can and should carry out our professional duties. The stories of those caught up in this tragedy are legitimate news.

We have an obligation to report with factual accuracy and contextual authenticity. We must give the American public as much meaningful information as possible as quickly as possible.

There are some steps we should take to make sure our reporting on the victims and their families is sensitive, compassionate, and professional.

• Recognize that this is probably the worst moment in their lives and it is likely to be the first time they are being interviewed by a reporter. They are highly vulnerable.

• Be respectful of those you contact for an interview. Remember that you may be one of many journalists contacting a victim or family member. Consider pool interviews in some situations to minimize the level of intrusion on those you wish to interview.

• Assess their vulnerability at the time you are contacting them. Recognize they are in mourning and may be in shock. Treat these individuals with compassion and empathy.

• Respect the wishes of those who do not wish to be interviewed. Offer them the opportunity to contact you later when they are able and willing to talk.

• For those who are willing to be interviewed, make sure they fully understand who you are and what your purpose is in requesting an interview. Remember these individuals do not know journalistic “conventions” such as on and off-the-record. Be clear and fair with these individuals.

• Make the interview situation as simple and as comfortable as possible. Be thoughtful in your use of photography and lighting.

• Be sensitive in requesting photographs of family members and, when given permission to use photos, commit to returning these photos quickly and in good condition.

• Listen carefully to what these family members are saying. Ask them what they want the public to know about their loved ones.

• Know when to stop the interview. Don’t prolong the difficult situation.

• While there is nothing you can do to take away their pain and grief, you are in control of the interview situation. Don’t make things worse.