The Media and Humanitarian Values

In: Refugee survey quarterly: reports, documentation, literature survey, Volume 21, Issue 3, p. 166-172

Abstract

An exploration of the media's role in humanitarian crises looks at why some humanitarian disasters receive more global attention than others & whether ensuring an appropriate response is part of the media's responsibility. The willingness of aid agencies to use the media for self promotion; the willingness of journalists to use/abuse aid agencies to get the story; & tendencies to over-dramatize or present distorted views for the sake of attracting attention are discussed. Other issues addressed include misunderstandings about the impact of the media on humanitarian crises; limitations to making horrendous situations visible; & the degree to which major US broadcast networks respond to the interests of their backers at the expense of good journalism. The growing impact of the Internet & specialized forms of media like Internews & the Institute for War and Peace Reporting are discussed. Suggestions are made for ways the UN, nongovernmental organizations, & media organizations can develop better understandings of the roles they play in communicating to, with, & about victims of humanitarian crises. J. Lindroth