Disasters and the media

When natural disasters occur they generally receive a high media profile. The recent Asian earthquake, Hurricane Katrina and the Asian tsunami have all received much media coverage.

The perception and scale of disasters is led by the media. However, the media focus is often on the misery created by the 'natural' disaster and the passivity of those in need. The solutions suggested are often over simplified and immediate rather than long-term and structural. For example, it is nearly always the poorest who suffer most in disasters, suggesting that tackling poverty through long term development programmes and structural political and economic changes should be the main priorities.

It is important therefore that young people explore the 'bigger picture' issues; the causes and consequences - not just 'natural' but also political, social, economic and environmental - within the contexts in which the disaster happens. For example:

• How does the disaster link to issues of poverty, inequality, land use, climate change and sustainable development?
• How are people and communities affected learning to cope with the situation; what efforts are they making to help themselves and each other?
• How can we, the emergency relief agencies and governments provide the most effective support both in the short and the long term?
• What long term structural, political, economic, environmental, social and technical issues will need to be addressed after the initial media frenzy has died down?

These are the kind of critical questions and issues that can be explored as part of the 'bigger picture' of a disaster.

With the internet increasingly being used by young people as a source of news reports, stories, information and images, it is vital that they are aware of the power of the media in such situations. All the Global News activities aim to encourage critical thinking on key global issues and the role the media plays in reporting these. By creating greater awareness young people can be helped to consider what might be the most effective positive actions they can take.

 

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