Media Coverage

How can the media coverage of the attacks on the World Trade Center be distinguished from that of other disasters in the world?

What was the media coverage of 911 like?

Media Coverage of World Disasters According to analysis of 200

English-language newspapers worldwide, the tsunami that ravaged coastal regions of the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26, 2004, generated more column inches in six weeks than the world’s top 10 ‘forgotten’ emergencies combined over the previous year.

The media blitz prompted unprecedented generosity. By February 2005, the international community had donated US$ 500 per person affected by the tsunami, compared to just 50 cents for each person affected by Uganda’s 18-year war.

What are the reasons for this disparity?

Reasons for the disparity in disaster coverage…

The tsunami was “simpler, visual and more dramatic in ways that both drought and conflict aren’t.”

No one to “blame,” for the tsunami (no conflict with complex roots and causes).

The tsunami was new whereas people dying in Africa is ongoing and induces despair and crisis fatigue – inability to see a solution.

Lack of funds to send reporters overseas.

Many tourists had vacationed in the countries hit by the tsunami and therefore felt connected to the region.

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