Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on “Disasters, Relief and the Media” : A Discussion of Conflict of Interest, Reliability, and Accountability in Journalism. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page discussion of media bias as it relates to the relationship which exists between journalists and relief agencies. These agencies not only act in the relief effort itself, they also provide considerable assistance to reporters. At the same time they are financially dependent on reporters calling attention to their plight. The implications of this relationship are that good reporting of the actual facts of relief efforts is potentially subject to a conflict of interest.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: AM2_PPmdiaB2.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Media responsibility is a topic which interests individuals from all walks of life. One author who adds extensively to this topic is Jonathan Benthall. Benthalls background,
ironically, is in anthropology. We find, however, that this is a fitting background given the emphasis of Benthalls book "Disasters, Relief and the Media". Benthalls concern revolves around
the impact of the media in reporting on relief efforts to third world countries in times of disaster. Analyzing events such as the such as the Nigerian civil war
of the late 1960s and the Armenian earthquake of 1988, Benthall emphasizes that there is a potentially compromising relationship which exists between journalists and the very agencies on which they
report. These agencies not only act in the relief effort itself, they also provide considerable assistance to reporters. At the same time they are financially dependent on reporters calling
attention to their plight. The implications of this relationship are that good reporting of the actual facts of relief efforts is potentially subject to a conflict of interest.
Major relief agencies in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States alike play a supportive role for journalists. Agencies such as the
Red Cross and World Vision depend heavily of the power of visual imagery coupled with narrative to procure funding for their agencies. Television is particularly important in conveying these
images. Consequently, relief agencies have a need for journalists on the scenes and journalists have a corresponding need for the support of these agencies. BBC News environmental correspondent
Tim Hirsch reports: "The relief agencies provide the facilities for journalists to go out and
...