News Media Conundrum: Disasters & The Viewing Public
The past twelve weeks have been tremulous to say the least, with all that’s been happening here at home. That said, I have no right to complain nor should I feel sorry for myself.
Why? During this time I saw the worst of what Mother Nature and man-made creations can throw at others, and that my woes pale in comparison compared to the their plight. Not since 9/11 have I been so totally mesmerized and shocked by TV coverage of horrific events.
First we had the floods and Cyclone Yasi in Queensland, followed by the Victorian floods, then the earthquake in New Zealand, and lastly, the earthquake and nuclear catastrophe in Japan.
Why? During this time I saw the worst of what Mother Nature and man-made creations can throw at others, and that my woes pale in comparison compared to the their plight. Not since 9/11 have I been so totally mesmerized and shocked by TV coverage of horrific events.
First we had the floods and Cyclone Yasi in Queensland, followed by the Victorian floods, then the earthquake in New Zealand, and lastly, the earthquake and nuclear catastrophe in Japan.
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We’ve all seen the aftermath of disasters but in their case something was different. Here, we observed the disasters, as with the giant tsunami that rolled into Sendai, Japan, as they unfolded on continuous live TV coverage.
The feeling of helplessness and doom brought on by the footage that included injured persons, was so overpowering that it would rattle even the most seasoned rescuer and make ordinary human beings weep.
Now this brings me to the role of the media. While they have a job to do and knowing that we can switch off in more ways than one, continuous live TV coverage of disaster zones can take its toll on the viewing public. For example, viewers who go on to exhibit post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
So when do we say, enough is enough? And what do we do with the ones that have been negatively affected by what they have seen on TV? Should TV networks play an extra role during disasters and give on-air advice on stress and grief management? Should airing time limits be set for TV networks during disasters? For me, writing and talking about it has helped me immensely.
What are your thoughts on the repercussions of continuous live TV coverage showing graphic and horrific images?
How do you cope with televised disasters?
Do you believe the News Media has a duty of care for its viewers while televising disasters?
The feeling of helplessness and doom brought on by the footage that included injured persons, was so overpowering that it would rattle even the most seasoned rescuer and make ordinary human beings weep.
Now this brings me to the role of the media. While they have a job to do and knowing that we can switch off in more ways than one, continuous live TV coverage of disaster zones can take its toll on the viewing public. For example, viewers who go on to exhibit post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
So when do we say, enough is enough? And what do we do with the ones that have been negatively affected by what they have seen on TV? Should TV networks play an extra role during disasters and give on-air advice on stress and grief management? Should airing time limits be set for TV networks during disasters? For me, writing and talking about it has helped me immensely.
What are your thoughts on the repercussions of continuous live TV coverage showing graphic and horrific images?
How do you cope with televised disasters?
Do you believe the News Media has a duty of care for its viewers while televising disasters?
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4 comments - care to make one?:
All good points that I had not really considered. For me, seeing it on TV is not enough same as the actual experience to make that much of an impression. Maybe I'm conditioned by so many years of film and TV viewing which means my kids are probably even more detached. So is our instant expossure to all that is happening in the world having the opposite affect of what you might think? Or are their stress factors that I am failing to recognize?
I'm interested to hear you further thoughts (and experiences) on this topic.
Hi Peter!
I hope this comment finds you still recovering well. Your post is refreshing from the standpoint of not feeling sorry for yourself--I saw your pictures and have been reading what you are sharing with us, and I am extremely impressed at your awesome attitude. We could all learn a little from you...
About the coverage--it has been horrible to see the suffering and disparity occurring. Sometimes, it is enough to make one question all that is good in our world. We have to have faith that there is a reason for all this misery.
Media? I am of the belief that if one owns a TV, one should be of enough power to turn off the on/off switch or, at least, turn the channel to something more pleasing. If I had relatives in these sections of the world, I would be glued to the TV for any hopeful sign, and I wouldn't want that option taken away. I do see the other side of this, though, although I would hope PTSD would be a lot further down the list for a typical watcher.
Okay, have to go eat. Again, Peter, much good energy being sent from the States to you.
Jim
Hi Moonshadow. First off, hoping you're ok and that you weren't affected by the recent tornadoes. I saw some coverage at work, yes I'm back, and what I saw of it, it appeared to be the most destructive storm cell ever. Would I be right there?
Now, during the twelve weeks I was stuck inside all hell broke loose in the areas I mentioned. From then on I was glued to the TV like countless others.
Yes, I could have turned the TV off but I felt compelled to watch was going on around me. It was if I was transfixed by the total devastation that was going on. Perhaps it would have been a different matter if I was out and about, who knows? But I'm sure there were many others like me who just couldn't turn away.
Instant exposure to things like this, as has happened in the past, has also conditioned me as well.
As for prolonged exposure to televised disasters, this has the effect of taking me back to a time when I was just a lad, whose feelings where oh so sensitive and my thought processes far from corrupted.
Keep safe and take care,
Peter
Hi Jim! First off, Hoping and praying that you and your family were kept safe during the recent tornado disaster.
Now, I'm looking forward to getting on with other things seeing that my poor old nose and face have healed. While I'm at it, have you had your skin checked lately!
While writing has helped me get through all of this, the recent disasters here at home and overseas, has put things in their proper perspective. Life can be short and we must make the most of the time we have here on earth.
We must overcome minor woes, as there are many who are suffering far worse than us. That said, there are many great and wonderful things still out there, and those less fortunate must be able to share in what we take for granted.
We must reach out to others in times of crisis, no matter what faith or beliefs they have, to help out wherever and whenever we can. This I have seen for myself during the disasters here at home.
Yes, I still have faith in mankind.
Take Care,
Peter
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