In another special episode of the Treat Addiction Save Lives Podcast, we are joined by Jonathan Stoltman and Ashton Marra, co-founders of Reporting on Addiction, a collaboration of the Opioid Policy Institute and 100 Days in Appalachia, along with addiction science experts, professional journalists, and journalism educators, with the goal of improving reporting on the topic of addiction.

Jonathan and Ashton share how they became focused on promoting responsible reporting around addiction, from their backgrounds in journalism and education (Ashton) and addiction science and research (Jonathan), and the genesis of the Reporting on Addiction project, in response to then-current media coverage of the topic. They talk about the importance of helping both journalists (including journalism educators and students) and addiction experts so they can communicate more effectively and understand how to spread awareness about addiction, dismantle the stigma around it, and make information accessible to media consumers.

Ashton and Jonathan discuss why they find it exciting to work with young journalists and journalism students, the importance of local news outlets, and more specifically, the vital role of college and university newsrooms. They also share tips for journalists about how to bring attention to their stories, how Reporting on Addiction helps addiction experts, and why it is essential that experts communicate with members of the media and student journalists.

Jonathan and Ashton speak out their individual organizations – the Opioid Policy Institute and 100 Days in Appalachia – and other areas in which they are helping journalists with their reporting. They address the concept of stigma around addiction in reporting, helping journalists change their perspective, and how they can see addiction reporting evolving in a positive way. Finally, Ashton and Jonathan share advice and key takeaways for journalists and experts, both.

Jonathan JK Stoltman, PhD is co-director of Reporting on Addiction; a project working to increase the accuracy and empathy of reporting on drug use and addiction. He is also director of the Opioid Policy Institute; a think tank that uses multi-pronged approaches to better understand gaps in treatment and recovery services.

Ashton Marra is the co-founder and co-director of Reporting on Addiction, a collaborative project working to train professional and student journalists in solutions-focused journalism methods that help break cycles of stigma often perpetuated through media coverage of our communities.

Ashton is also a teaching assistant professor in the West Virginia University Reed College of Media, where she teaches broadcast, writing, investigative and community-engagement courses, and is the executive editor of 100 Days in Appalachia, a national Edward R. Murrow award-winning publication. There, she oversees the work of a team of editors, contributors and reporters across Appalachia to create content by Appalachians for Appalachians.

Links

Reporting on Addiction

100 Days in Appalachia

Opioid Policy Institute

The State of Local News Project | Local News Initiative (northwestern.edu)

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.

The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.

The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.