Introduction: The Media's Role In The Global Crisis
As the U.S. government begins a fierce and
protracted war without borders, accurate information and thoughtful global communication is needed more than ever.
Are the worldwide media reporting with enough depth and balance? Which
stories are getting told? Which voices are loudest? How does coverage
impact government policy, public opinion, tolerance, justice and peace? How to cover horror and trauma while avoiding sensation and propaganda? What can journalists do to ensure responsible, thorough reporting and diversity of views?
And how can we hold them accountable?
Reports that the Pentagon will use "unprecedented secrecy" and hints that some media outlets perceive support for the administration as a patriotic duty have brought back both "loose lips sink ships" and its corollary: "truth is the first casualty of war." Are we getting the information we need? The Bush Administration is seeking new
powers for surveillance, investigation and prosecution. As national security is weighed against civil liberties, does the public
have enough information to participate in the debates?
Individuals have become part of the media flow as never before, as emailed articles, letters, rumors, investigative reports, personal stories, photos and videos fly around the Net. The free, open publishing system of the Independent Media Centers and alternative press aggregators like Alternet spread news and perspectives often absent from the mainstream press. Peace advocates are developing their media strategies. Online communities, including MediaChannel's new Forum, are hosting insightful and often heated discussions.
To be sure, many media outlets have earned high praise for turning full
resources to immediate, thoughtful coverage and providing public service information while abandoning advertising and canceling entertainment despite their own financial loss. But many critics worldwide warn that America was blindsided by the attacks of September 11, 2001 precisely because the U.S. press has increasingly neglected international affairs, U.S. foreign policy and intelligence reports for decades.
In the aftermath of so much death, on the brink of possibly much more,
we must consider the history, the context, global perspectives, human dimensions and ongoing conflicts. This special coverage from the MediaChannel network presents articles and analysis, advice, guides and resources for journalists and access to diverse worldwide views.
We will continue to update this section as developments warrant. Please
join the discussion in the Forums and let us know about articles and Web sites that help illuminate the media role and improve our information and communication about this crisis.
— Aliza Dichter (editor@mediachannel.org), editor.
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