In 2005, journalists faced enormous challenges while covering
hurricanes Katrina and Rita along America's Gulf Coast. They
struggled to find ways to communicate, move from one place to
another, and find reputable information. They witnessed complete
chaos, observed human suffering, and were outraged with delayed or
ineffective rescue mechanisms. Not only did journalists face these
normal problems of crises, since many themselves were among the
victims, they were forced to do their jobs under circumstances that
seemed impossible.
The contributors to Covering Disaster study personal and
professional coping mechanisms and lessons that may be learned from
media disaster coverage. During Katrina and Rita, journalists
responded largely by redefining traditional ideals of fairness,
balance, and objectivity and by adopting an emotionally driven and
somewhat more subjective reporting style. In this way, they
rediscovered and emphasized journalistic purposes and techniques
that have long been the hallmarks of greatness. Their work during
those months of destruction and pain was applauded by their readers
and viewers because it was useful, critical of officials who were
not doing their jobs, sought support for those who were suffering,
and took a position of public leadership.
Now that the winds have died down, flood waters have receded,
and rebuilding has begun, the brand of publicoriented journalism
found in the midst of the storms must not be forgotten.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!