Seminar: Reporting on Tragedy - Ethics, Empathy, and the Frontline in Tai Po

6 Feb 2026

On 6 February 2026, the Institute for Journalism and Society at Hong Kong Baptist University hosted the seminar “Reporting on Tragedy: Ethics, Empathy, and the Frontline in Tai Po,” featuring Reuters photographer Tyrone Siu, a member of a Pulitzer Prize–winning team, who shared his experience to “approaching” and “stepping back” while covering the Wang Fuk Court fire.

Through the story behind an iconic photograph, Tyrone showed how he balances rigorous reporting with compassion at scenes of grief. He believes that “approaching” should be consent‑based and dignity‑affirming: not an act of extracting pain or seizing someone's most vulnerable moment, but a way to make visible the dignity of those who suffer. “Stepping back,” he argued, is an ethic of restraint that often demands more courage and professional judgement, including protecting privacy and refusing to commodify pain. Furthermore, Tyrone emphasised the importance of building trust with interviewees, ensuring they feel respected, and not overlooking the power of listening. He observed, “The true bridge between people is often built in the moment when you put down the camera.”

The seminar drew over 60 students and faculty. During the discussion, Siu fielded over a dozen questions and offered practical guidance to student journalists. The event delivered rich frontline experience and ethical reflection, and was warmly received.