Written by: Nishtha Chakraborty & Laavanyaa Joshi
Edited & Illustrated by: Deepshikha Banerjee
FOR | AGAINST |
Media coverage of disasters has been instrumental in raising awareness, mobilizing aid, and fostering accountability. While it often faces criticism for sensationalism, the positive impact of disaster reporting cannot be overlooked. One significant advantage is its ability to inform and educate the public. During the COVID-19 pandemic, timely updates from media outlets helped people understand safety protocols, vaccination drives, and resource availability. Similarly, in natural disasters like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, extensive coverage highlighted the scale of destruction and the urgent need for international aid, prompting donations and relief efforts worldwide. Media also serves as a bridge connecting affected regions to global audiences. When Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake in 2010, detailed reports and visuals compelled governments, organizations, and individuals to contribute to recovery efforts. Media campaigns raised billions of dollars, showcasing the medium’s capacity to unite people for a cause. Additionally, disaster reporting holds governments and organizations accountable. Investigative journalism during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 exposed systemic failures in disaster preparedness and response, leading to policy reforms. By shedding light on such inadequacies, media fosters transparency and drives improvements in governance. Moreover, media plays a vital role in mental health advocacy during disasters. By sharing survivors' stories, it humanizes crises, encouraging empathy and dialogue about trauma and resilience. Platforms like social media amplify these efforts, offering real-time updates and opportunities for collective action. While concerns about sensationalism exist, responsible journalism focused on facts and compassion can maximize the positive impact. Through accurate reporting and human-interest narratives, media can inspire action, facilitate recovery, and strengthen global solidarity during crises, proving to be a boon in the face of adversity. | In the aftermath of disasters, media outlets rush to deliver breaking news, gripping headlines, and vivid imagery. While their coverage often brings critical attention to crises, the dark side of disaster reporting cannot be ignored. Sensationalism, the persistent hunger for drama over depth, has far-reaching consequences that can spread panic and exploit victims . This kind of sensationalism doesn’t just exploit victims—it fuels fear and confusion among the general public. In 2020, as Cyclone Amphan approached India and Bangladesh, headlines declared it to be a “monster storm” and “the worst cyclone in decades.” While these terms may have reflected the storm’s severity, the sensational tone caused unnecessary panic. Sensational reporting can also skew public perception. Instead of focusing on long-term recovery, such as rebuilding infrastructure or providing mental health support, many news outlets pivot to dramatizing human suffering. This kind of coverage dehumanizes victims, reducing them to "content" while leaving their voices unheard. Responsible reporting should empower, not exploit. It should provide accurate, actionable information, highlight the needs of survivors, and hold institutions accountable. As Edward R. Murrow once said "To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful." Unfortunately, in the race for ratings, many outlets have forgotten this principle. Disasters are not entertainment. Behind every shocking image is a human story, a family torn apart, and a community struggling to rebuild. When media coverage focuses on sensationalism over substance, it not only fails to serve the public but also undermines the dignity of those it claims to help. Let us demand better—not just for the survivors but for ourselves as consumers of information. After all, the media reflects what we choose to reward. Wouldn’t we rather reward empathy and truth over spectacle and panic? |
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