In defence of disaster journalism

Tim Burrowes

January 20, 2010 11:11

The somewhat grubby tussle between Seven and Nine over who gets credit for rescuing baby Winnie from the Haiti rubble makes an easy target for those who see disaster journalists as vultures.

After all, what can the media do, but get in the way?

In global trouble spots it isn’t uncommon for rescuers to find themselves competing with the world’s press for hotel rooms, vehicles, food or water, all of which can be in limited supply.

Surely, many would argue, better for the press to stay out of the way, and let humanitarian agencies do their jobs. Or perhaps have pooled coverage from a small number of news crews.

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Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.

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2 COMMENTS

Andrew Juma 20 Jan 10

I could not agree more – but Kochie jumping into the ambulance at Beaconsfield – FAIL.

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Snake Gallagher 20 Jan 10

It’s your job and it takes a certain type of desperado to do it well. It congratulates or rebukes governments and aid organisations. It is the report card on gutless and non-responsive regimes (such as the US in New Orleans and the military junta in Burma) and it tears your heart out to make you get your wallet out. I salute them. Go hard or come home.

By the way, Geldoff, a near washed up musician? Wow, a brave statement by any account.

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