Media Power
The outbreak of Swine Flu this week has grabbed headlines across
the world's
media.
The virus, which seems to have originated in Mexico and now is
spreading across continents, was barely heard of last week. Now it
is at the forefront of public consciousness.
It is cases like this that remind us of the true power of the
media.
Without the high profile television, radio and print coverage,
people would not be aware that the virus existed, the symptoms or
the extent of the spread.
Online media also has a huge role to play as information is
immediately available to anybody that is worried about contracting
the virus or those who are simply curious.
News programmes and websites have really gone to town on the
coverage. You can follow the outbreak through theBBC's
interactive maps or keep up-to-date via the Guardian's
day by day guide to the virus. It is a huge story and globally
important and coverage has been extensive.
The media have a huge responsibility to educate but also to avoid
hysteria or panic among their audience. While it is important to
highlight any impending pandemic, the blanket coverage can really
scare people, sometimes unnecessarily. A sense of perspective is
needed and should be included in reporting.
We are well prepared in Britain for most flu outbreaks. Instead,
it is countries in the developing world that are badly placed to
deal with influenza and what may deemed as minor infection here
could become something serious or fatal in other countries.
Understandably people are concerned about what happens in their own countries, but more emphasis could be placed on the potentially disastrous effects on other nations and how we can help those who are particularly susceptible to the virus.
COMMENTS
No comments added for this entry.
POST A COMMENT
