THE STATE OF

HUMANITARIAN
JOURNALISM

Martin Scott, Kate Wright and Mel Bunce | October 2018

 Picture left: Photographers wearing
helmets and gas masks cower behind

Vincent Mundy –
a pillar, taking pictures at an anti
government protest while piles of tyres
burn behind them. Ukraine, Kiev. 2014

PANOS
CONTENTS
Executive summary and recommendations 1

Introduction 3

Chapter 1: 5
WHO PRODUCES HUMANITARIAN JOURNALISM?
News organisations and funding models

Chapter 2: 13
HOW ARE CONFLICTS REPORTED?
A quantitative analysis of international news
coverage of South Sudan and Yemen in 2017

Chapter 3: 21
HOW ARE ‘NATURAL’ DISASTERS REPORTED?
Comparing coverage of the 2015 Nepal
earthquake by Thomson Reuters and IRIN News

Chapter 4: 27
WHAT DO AUDIENCES OF MAINSTREAM
NEWS THINK OF HUMANITARIAN JOURNALISM?

Chapter 5: 30
WHAT DO THOSE WORKING IN THE AID
SECTOR THINK OF HUMANITARIAN NEWS?

Chapter 6: 34
WHAT EFFECT DOES CRITICAL NEWS COVERAGE
Picture front cover: Children stand in OF THE AID SECTOR HAVE ON PUBLIC OPINION?
front of a BBC camera news crew at
The Daily Mail Effect reconsidered
the beginning of the US-led invasion of
Afghanistan. Khwaja-Bahauddin. 2001.
References 36
Photo credit: Yannis Kontos – Polaris – PANOS

2 3
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Humanitarian journalism plays a crucial role in how citizens, RECOMMENDATIONS
It is vital that funding for humanitarian news i
aid workers and international organisations around the world
We call for the aid sector, governments and fo
respond to emergencies and human suffering. Research on to suffering more effective. However funders
this journalism has tended to focus on establishing which Editorial teams at specialist news outlets (and
topics and crises receive the most and least coverage. Although humanitarian journalism is important
News editors and managers at major, non-spe
assumption that audiences are uninterested in
But researchers have not explored They may wish to consider conducting more co
We found that: 4 Journalists are often criticised for 7 Journalists are often accused of the event.
other important questions such
sporadic, sensationalistic and producing homogenous and
as: how do different funding 1 Very few international news
de-contextualised news coverage on decontextualised constructions of
models for humanitarian organisations routinely cover
conflicts, side-lining detailed natural disasters. But news outlets vary
journalism change the news that humanitarian affairs. Only 12 news
analyses of long-running crises. But enormously in how they cover these
is produced? How do governments outlets reported on all four of the
our research shows that news emergencies. For instance, we found
influence the international humanitarian events we analysed in
organisations which produce a lot of that Thomson Reuters focused on
reporting of 2016. Because of the high costs of
humanitarian coverage tend breaking stories about dramatic and
humanitarian issues? What news do producing regular, original
to do the opposite. They produce timely events, and reported with a
citizens and aid workers want to see journalism on humanitarian issues,
relatively few ‘hard news’ reports, largely Western audience in mind. By
more of? This report starts to commercial news organisations
focusing instead on detailed features, contrast, the specialist humanitarian
answer these questions with data do not usually cover humanitarian
analysis pieces and some campaigning news outlet, IRIN, wrote thematic
from a large scale, four-year multi- issues, with the exception of major
reports. pieces and analysis, targeted at a more
country study of humanitarian ‘emergencies’.
global audience.
journalists, the news they produce, 5 There were a number of important
2 Most humanitarian journalism is
and the audiences who consume it. gaps in the topics that news reports 8 Audiences are interested in
now funded by states or private
addressed. Gender was treated in a humanitarian journalism – more than
This study includes interviews foundations. This is worrying
very narrow way within humanitarian journalists think. In a large- scale
with nearly 200 journalists, news because claiming that particular
reporting during 2017. Almost no survey of international audiences (UK,
actors or activities are
managers and media funders as well articles looked France, Germany and the US), more
‘humanitarian’ is a powerful form of
as extensive newsroom at the specific problems faced by people claimed to follow news about
legitimacy. It is important that media
observations. This included women and girls in relation to the ‘humanitarian disasters’ (59%) either
about the suffering does not become a
fieldwork in London, Geneva, conflicts in Yemen and South ‘closely’ or ‘fairly closely’ than any
vehicle for commercial or political
Washington, Bangkok and Nairobi. Sudan. Many (largely female) other type of international news.
interests.
In addition, we completed major journalists wanted to cover more Another survey of 1600 people working
analyses of news content, 3 A major challenge of foundation varied stories about the issues faced in the aid sector found there was
and report on audience surveys with funding is its unsustainable nature, as by women and girls, but found it widespread dissatisfaction with the
citizens and aid workers. most foundations want to provide hard to get these stories quality of most mainstream news
start-up money, rather than giving commissioned. coverage of humanitarian issues.
ongoing support. Meanwhile Respondents said they wanted more
6 News articles about humanitarian
government funding can constrain investigative reporting and consistent
emergencies quote some sources
where and how humanitarian coverage of ongoing crises.
of information far more than others.
reporting takes place because
International organisations and NGOs 9 Finally, newspaper headlines don’t
of foreign policy objectives and
were quoted frequently in reports on always have an immediate or direct
diplomatic tensions.
conflict, for example, while local effect on mass public perception
citizens were not. of international aid. The Daily Mail’s
Affected citizens made up only 16% criticisms of international aid agencies
of sources in coverage of conflict “wasting money” do not seem to have
in South Sudan and just 12% of damaged audiences’ interest in, or
sources in reporting on Yemen. commitment to, international aid.

1 2
INTRODUCTION

In 2017, humanitarian need was greater than ever

before. The amount requested through UN-coordinated
appeals reached a high of US$25.2 billion, driven by
ongoing crises in Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Nigeria and
new large appeals in Ethiopia and Pakistan. Figure 2. Most under-reported crises of 2017 (Care International 2018)

According to the 2018 Global

These studies are extremely important for 2 When natural disasters and violent We are grateful to David Hudson, Jennifer
Humanitarian Assistance
highlighting the limitations of conflicts are reported, what kinds of Hudson and Will Tucker for allowing us
report, an estimated 201 million
international news coverage of journalistic coverage do they receive? to draw on data from the Aid Attitudes
people in 134 countries needed
humanitarian crises. However, the Do news outlets differ from one Tracker (AAT) in several of the following
international humanitarian
volume of coverage is not the only another, and if so, how? chapters. The AAT is an ongoing survey
assistance. However, funding levels important feature of humanitarian of public attitudes towards aid in the UK,
did not keep pace. Figure 1 shows that, 3 How interested are news audiences in
journalism. Furthermore, while France, Germany and the US, funded by
despite receiving a record volume of journalism about humanitarian
journalists are often committed to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It
funding (US$14.9 billion), UN- affairs? How well does existing
covering under-reported regions, most do has surveyed 8,000 people in each of these
coordinated appeals experienced a coverage serve their needs, and the
not agree that generating aid is the most countries, every six months, since 2013
funding shortfall of US$10.3 billion in needs of those involved in
important part of their work (Powers (see Clarke et al 2018). Further
2017: the largest on record international aid? Which significant
2018; Wright 2018). Many are also information about their research
(Development Initiatives 2018). ‘gaps’ are there in news provision?
interested in holding aid agencies to is available at www.devcommslab. org.
account, for example, and have used their 4 What effects does news coverage We would also like to thank our
journalism to highlight corruption, have on public attitudes towards research assistant, Max Slaughter, for his
inefficiency and sexual exploitation in international aid? dedicated and thorough contribution to
the sector. the content analysis discussed in
The aim of this report is to begin to chapter 2.
There are also many other important but answer these questions by presenting
unanswered questions about how some of the early results of a four year,
journalism relates to humanitarian affairs. global research project into the state of
We know little about the different kinds humanitarian journalism around the
Figure 1. Requirements and funding, UN-coordinated of humanitarian journalism produced by world. Since 2014, we have conducted
appeals (2008-2017) (Development Initiatives 2018). different news organisations, the practices interviews with nearly 200 journalists,
and news managers and media funders;
Such disparities between levels of This is epitomised by regular attempts to funding models involved, and the impact as well as extensive newsroom
humanitarian need and the response of document the ‘top ten most of such coverage on audiences. Most observations, analyses of news content and
the international community under-reported humanitarian crises’. research has also been heavily skewed audience surveys. This research has
are often blamed, in part, on the failure For example, a recent report by Care towards the West, with little attention included fieldwork in London, Geneva,
of the international news media to International entitled Suffering in being paid to Chinese and Arabic Washington, Bangkok and Nairobi and has
devote sufficient coverage to Silence (2018) found that, despite 18 organisations, or to in-country journalists. been supported primarily by a grant from
humanitarian crises. Indeed, public million people experiencing This report tackles some of these key the UK Arts and Humanities Research
debate about the state of humanitarian questions. Council (AHRC). For further information
food insecurity in North Korea, the
news has previously 1 Which news organisations regularly about this project, including our latest
humanitarian situation in the country
focussed almost entirely on the extent to received the least media attention report on humanitarian affairs? How research publications and blogs, please
which various crises are ‘forgotten’ or globally – just 51 news articles in 2017 are they funded, and what ethical visit www.humanitarian-journalism.net
‘ignored’ by the international (see Figure 2). They concluded that, problems or professional dilemmas
news media. does this create for journalists covering
Getty images

‘raising awareness and drawing attention

to crises and disasters is vital in order to humanitarian affairs?
secure the funding needed to help’
(2018:16).

3 4
4
 CHAPTER 1
Picture left: Journalist Hamida Ghafour stands amidst a group of US Marines
during a briefing at the Bagram air base. Afghanistan, Kabul. 2004.
Lana Slezic -
PANOS

The nature of VOA’s mandate gives it

News Organisation Type of news organisation
some legal protection from
Agence France Presse (AFP) International news agency political interference, as it is obliged to
provide “accurate, objective
Al Jazeera English International television broadcaster and comprehensive news”, and to
Associated Press (AP) International news agency “represent America, not any single
segment of American society”, including
BBC World Service International radio broadcaster explaining debates around US policies
China Global Television International television broadcaster (US Foreign Relations Authorization Act,
Network news (CGTN) 1977, cited BBG, n.d.). But this mandate
(formerly CCTV News) also creates problems for humanitarian
journalism, as VoA journalists are obliged
The Guardian Newspaper to explain humanitarian issues in relation
Humanosphere (now closed) Digital, non-profit to American perspectives and policies
– which risks displacing local concerns and
IRIN News Digital, non-profit
contexts.
Reuters (including the Thomson International news agency
Several relative newcomers, based outside
Reuters Foundation)

WHO
the West and funded by state money have
Voice of America International radio broadcaster also become crucial producers of
The Washington Post humanitarian journalism. Indeed, state
Newspaper
funding from the Qatari government

PRODUCES HUMANITARIAN
Xinhua News Agency International news agency enabled Al Jazeera English (AJE) to
provide far more reporting on the
humanitarian events listed above than any
Table 1.2: International (English-language) news organisations that other news organisation. Yet at the same
produced original coverage of all four humanitarian crises/events time, Qatar’s use of AJE to acquire soft
power in the Gulf has constrained the
ability of AJE journalists to produce

JOURNALISM?
International broadcasters, news
agencies and government funding
This list is dominated by the major We found no evidence that government some kinds of humanitarian coverage.
international broadcasters and news officials directly interfered in editorial
News organisations No. of original agencies. Many of these are funded by output of either World Service or VoA.
This is because Qatar’s neighbours,
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, and its
Crisis or event news items
and funding Sample period governments who support journalism as However, some journalists at these ally, Egypt, have all called for the
part of their foreign policy objectives stations had become concerned about the closure of Al Jazeera and have
models The ongoing crisis in September to December 7691
– and to achieve ‘soft power’. Thus, extent to which governments set the implemented an international
South Sudan 2016
whilst state funding subsidises the high strategic priorities of their organisations, blockade, and related visa and travel
Only a very small number of
The 2016 Aceh December 7th 2016 4279 costs of producing regular, original which had implications for their ability to permit restrictions, which make it much
international news outlets,
earthquake coverage of humanitarian issues and cover humanitarian affairs. A key harder for AJE to cover some
including the Thomson Reuters
events, there are important questions to be problem, at both the BBC and VoA, was humanitarian crises, including the conflict
Foundation (TRF) and IRIN News, The World May 23rd and 24th 2016 745
asked about the ways in which the way in which journalists’ ability to in Yemen. AJE journalists also faced
explicitly describe themselves Humanitarian Summit
humanitarian journalism is influenced by cover humanitarian issues in particular considerable ethical dilemmas about how
as producing ‘humanitarian’ The 2017 UN appeal for December 4th 2016 334 the political manoeuvring of states in geographic regions waxed and waned in to cover events in other areas where
journalism. However, a number of humanitarian funding relation to one another, and relation to governments’ strategic and Qatar was involved militarily, or had
mainstream news organisations also other elites. funding priorities. diplomatic interests. In addition to
regularly report on humanitarian
Table 1.1: Humanitarian crises/events in 2016, selected for Support from Western governments Concerns about humanitarian journalism Yemen, this included Syria, Sudan and
issues and events but don’t
analysis allows radio stations like the BBC World were particularly South Sudan.
self-define as producers
of ‘humanitarian news’. Service and Voice of America to
Since there is no universally agreed
definition of what ‘humanitarianism’ These particular events/crises were The results, shown in Table 1.2 show produce regular, original coverage of pronounced among Voice of America
is, let alone how it should relate to chosen because they represent a range of that only twelve (English-language) humanitarian crises around the world. For journalists. These were triggered by
journalism, we needed to find some issues, including a rapid- onset ‘natural’ international news organisations example, in a separate study, we found legislative changes that removed the
other way of establishing which other disaster, a slow-onset, conflict-related produced original news coverage of all that humanitarian issues were mentioned supervisory role of the bipartisan
news organisations regularly report on crisis and different elements of the four events. in nearly one in five (19%) items on the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which 1
Whilst the results of this analysis are
humanitarian issues. So we international humanitarian system. They news bulletins at BBC World Service historically insulated the station from important, it is also necessary to acknowledge
commissioned the media monitoring also took place in different parts of the and 14% of reports political influence (Borchers 2017;
the limitations of this data. Electronic keyword
searches do not always produce an entirely
company - Kantar - to carry out world and were not widely reported – on the more in-depth Newshour Folkenflik 2016). Subsequent moves to reliable account of the nature of media
electronic keyword searches relating to allowing us to distinguish more easily programmes. appoint Bannon allies to key positions coverage and although Kantar’s searches were
4 different kinds of humanitarian between different news outlets. heightened this concern (Gramer 2018; extensive – covering over 20,000 English-
language online/print news organisations
events in 2016 (See Table 1.1). Mahdawi 2018). – it was not entirely comprehensive.

5 6
 CHAPTER 1
Perhaps surprisingly, Chinese state-
funded outlets were also found to be Picture right: Anti-government
prolific providers of humanitarian fighters showing off a captive
coverage: including the wire agency, mercenary they have capture during
Xinhua, and the cable TV channel, fighting around Brega. Libya. 2011.
China Global Television Network
(CGTN). Rather than focussing on
the attractive qualities of ‘soft power’
favoured by his predecessor, the current
Chinese President, Xi Jinping, takes a Nevertheless, not all state-supported
more directive, forceful approach. This international broadcasters were found to be
has included touring state media outlets prolific providers of original humanitarian
to demand journalists’ loyalty in 2016, news, according to
and announcing in February 2018 that all the methodology we used. Russia Today,
state media would be combined into a France 24 and Deutsche Welle are all
single, centralised organisation, the missing from our list because they relied
‘Voice of China’. exclusively on material provided by news
agencies to cover at least some of these
Most CGTN and Xinhua journalists events (as did the commercial
understood their role as being to promote broadcaster, CNN International). Indeed,
a positive view of China, including one of the most striking findings was the
emphasising the help given by Chinese extent to which the vast majority of
humanitarian actors and peacekeepers. news outlets – both small and large - rely
They also believed that their focus on upon the ‘big three’ news agencies (AFP,
other governments’ humanitarian efforts AP and Reuters (which includes content
helped the Chinese government to from the Thomson Reuters Foundation)
develop for their coverage of humanitarian issues.
its diplomatic relations with other For example, in a separate study, we
countries. However, they encountered found that 99% of articles about South
considerable ethical dilemmas and Sudan and Yemen in 2017 on the Mail
organisational obstacles when it came to Online was from news agencies. One of
explaining the causes and contexts of the key consequences of this reliance
suffering in any detail, on news agencies is the lack of
as their Chinese managers were reluctant diversity in news outlets’ sources of
to allow them to engage in humanitarian news.
‘controversial’ political debates that
might offend other states.
2
News items qualified as ‘humanitarian’ either
Picture below: The strain starts to when: (1) the country being reported on was the
show as Executive Producer Carlos subject of a UN OCHA humanitarian appeal,
(2) the focus was primarily on the aid industry or
Van Meek (centre) takes morning (3) the news item was explicitly framed in terms
conference at news channel Al of a ‘crisis’ involving human suffering.
Jazeera English in Doha. Qatar,
Doha. 2011.

Tom Pilston – PANOS

Sven Torfinn – PANOS

7 8
CHAPTER 1
Picture left: Refugees at an informal
camp set up by volunteers and aid
workers near the Serbian border wait
to take a bus to a registration centre.
Hungary, Roszke. 2015.

Specialist non-profit news sites The largest specialist non-profit site is The second specialist provider of
and foundation funding the Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) humanitarian news to feature on our
– the philanthropic arm of the global list is the international non-profit news
Many aid-workers and journalists at
information and news wire agency – outlet – IRIN News. It has a relatively
mainstream news organisations who
Thomson Reuters. The foundation is small team of staff, but a network of
produce their own original
based in the main Thomson Reuters 200 freelance reporters around the
humanitarian coverage also drew
HQ in London and first launched its world. IRIN defines its mission as being
from specialist non-profit sites. These
humanitarian coverage in 1997 under to, ‘deliver unique, authoritative and
niche outlets are largely funded by private
the brand ‘AlertNet’. Although this independent reporting from the
foundations. There are often internal
brand has now been dropped, the frontlines of crises to inspire and
debates at these outlets about the ethics
foundation still produces a dedicated produce a more effective humanitarian
of using foundation funding. These tend
vertical of humanitarian reporting response’. It was set up in 1996, and
to focus on questions of impartiality and
which, in TRF’s words, ‘shines a light was run as a UN OCHA project until
editorial independence, and concerns that
on the world’s humanitarian hotspots; the end of 2014. This arrangement came
funders might interfere in the editorial
from major disaster, conflicts and to an end in 2015 as a result of growing
content of specific items.
under- reported stories’. TRF has its friction between journalists and UN
However, we found little evidence to own OCHA over questions of editorial
suggest that foundations tried to dedicated journalists, as well as using control. These tensions culminated in UN
interfere in this way (although the material produced by the ‘mainstream officials’ request that IRIN refrain from
representatives of some foundations journalists’ at Thomson Reuters. reporting on the Syrian conflict in case
did occasionally contact journalists with TRF stories are filed directly onto this harmed the UN’s access (Lynch
‘story ideas’). But we did find that the newsroom feeds along with other 2014).
nature of foundation funding tended to Thomson Reuters material, as well as
push news outlets towards certain types of being published on TRF’s website.
reporting. Most notably, it incentivised
thematised, long form reporting. For
example, the funder might be interested
in supporting a series on ‘environmental
threats’. This is not necessarily
problematic. But it is different from a
traditional approach
in which editors have a budget to report
on the news / features they believe are
the most important on any given day.
Journalists also struggled with more
complex ethical questions about how to
negotiate the strategic aims of private
Lianne Milton –

foundations, including the common

donor requirement that they
PANOS

demonstrate ‘impact’ with their

journalism.

Teun Voeten – PANOS

Picture right: A female reporter for a
television news station interviews a
young woman who was a witness to
the terror attacks at the Bataclan club.
France, Paris. 2015.

10

9
 CHAPTER 1
Journalist Marie Colvin photographed in Tahrir square, the scene of heavy
clashes between pro and anti government protesters. Colvin was killed by a
shell that landed on a temporary media centre she was staying at in Homs,
Syria, on 22 February 2012. Egypt, Cairo. 2011.

SUMMARY
Our analysis shows that the number of internati
that are committed to covering humanitarian n
newspapers do regularly report on such issues,
But there are also problems with major interna
humanitarian reporting is often constrained by
as benefiting from relatively generous, secure r
Nevertheless, the inclusion of The Washington
private foundations or national governments. Th
to have resulted from a number of factors inclu

Iva Zimova – PANOS

IRIN’s base was in Nairobi until 2015, health, aid and development issues for Although not appearing on this list, Figure 1.3: Sources of news about ‘international development and
when it moved to London where the both mainstream and ‘insider’ there are a number of other non-profit poverty in poor countries’ for respondents in the UK who say they
‘new IRIN’ was incubated by the think audiences. Unfortunately, in July news organisations committed to follow such news either ‘very closely’ or ‘fairly closely’ (Source: Aid
tank, the Overseas Development 2017, it was forced to close after covering news beats Attitudes Tracker (Clarke et al 2018)).
Institute. Despite IRIN’s relatively small experiencing a loss of funding and that encompass humanitarian affairs,
size, IRIN published a difficulty in attracting new financial such as global health or international
significant amount of humanitarian backers – leading to a further narrowing development. Examples include, Inter Newspapers The fact that The Washington Post
coverage. For example, it published eight of the already limited range of sources of Press Service, News Deeply, SciDev. produced original coverage of all four
The final two news outlets that covered
original news items about South Sudan information about humanitarian issues. Net, Global Daily, UN Dispatch and The events is perhaps a little more
all four crises were the Guardian and the
during the sample period: the same World Post. Although these specialist unexpected, given its relatively limited
Like almost all specialist non- Washington Post. This finding supports
amount as the Guardian and one more news organisations are rarely studied (or resources and lack of foundation support
profit news outlets reporting on the conclusions of previous research,
than the Washington Post. IRIN is now even acknowledged) in previous research in this area. Indeed, in an interview, the
humanitarian and development issues, which suggested that, ‘The Guardian
based in Geneva and funded by a range they often report on humanitarian issues Washington Post’s deputy foreign editor
Humanosphere was heavily reliant on shows a commitment to disaster
of different private foundations, including and events not covered in the mainstream admitted
a very small number of donors to reporting
the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation media. Indeed, these specialist to being ‘a little surprised’ by the
survive. Its experience illustrates not matched by other papers’ (Franks
and the Open Society Foundations. It is organisations often explicitly position finding, since, ‘we have certainly fewer
two particular limits to a foundation- 2006:8). It also corresponds with the
also supported by the Swiss, Belgian and themselves reporters than the New York Times and
funded model. First, foundation funding results of a survey of the UK public
Australian governments. UN OCHA still in opposition to mainstream news media; the Wall Street Journal… [and] unlike
alone rarely offers long- term financial in 2016, given in Figure 3.3, which
runs ReliefWeb, a specialised digital as providing a form ‘corrective’ the New York Times, we do not have a
sustainability. Rodney Benson (2016:8) reveal that The Guardian is by far the
service, which aggregates news and journalism by covering ‘under- reported’ UN bureau’. Despite this, she attributed
explains that, ‘most major foundations most popular source of news about
information about humanitarian affairs. crises. The digital news sites BuzzFeed The Washington Post’s commitment to
see themselves international development in the UK.
and Vice News only covered one of the covering
The final specialist news non-profit to as providing… short-term start-up The Guardian has received support from
four events each. humanitarian issues to, ‘an interlocking series of
feature on this list, alongside the major support with the expectation that non- the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
factors’ including supportive management,
international news organisations, is profits will eventually achieve (BMGF) since
commitment from
Humanosphere. This was a very small but commercial sustainability’. Second, there 2007 to cover issues relating to global
the photo department, a talented and
active outlet, based in Seattle, alongside just isn’t enough donor money to go development.
persistent Africa bureau chief,
the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. around. Very few foundations are active professional competitiveness and a
Humanosphere had in this area; often because of their sense of ‘social obligation to witness
a broader remit than IRIN News: objectives don’t align with those of and cover great human tragedies’.
specialising in daily coverage of global journalists or because of the difficulty of
measuring the impact of their
investments.

11
11 12 12
 CHAPTER 2

Yemen South Sudan

Change over time Relatively consistent throughout Peaked after the UN declared famine
the sample period but subsequently declined.
Voices used Reliance on multi-laterals and INGOs, Reliance on multi-laterals and INGOs,
rather than affected citizens. rather than affected citizens.
Topic Focussed on conflict/violence, health Focus on conflict/violence, food

HOW
and international relations. Lack of security, displacement and aid. Lack of
coverage of gender, religion and the coverage of gender, religion and the
environment environment

Tommy Trenchard – PANOS

ARE CONFLICTS
Style Generally, detailed and/or Mostly ‘reportage’ rather than
contextualised reporting. Little breaking news and a significant amount
‘breaking news’. of ‘campaigning’ coverage.

Table 2.1: General characteristics of news coverage of South Sudan and Yemen in 2017

REPORTED
Method coverage of the 2017 UN appeal for and the humanitarian consequences were
The news organisations named in Table humanitarian funding. Devex is a social included in the analysis. The sample
2.2 were chosen for analysis because enterprise and media platform serving the period for news about South Sudan was
they represent both some of the most global development community with a the six months from 18th February to
A quantitative analysis of Walther Onzima, a 26 year old
prolific international producers of strong journalistic division. It also
produced original coverage of three of the
17th August 2017, while for Yemen it
was the six months from 15th April to
humanitarian news (see chapter 1) and a
international news coverage of volunteer with the Ugandan Red diversity of forms of funding, focus four crises/events. 14th October 2017.
Cross, talks with South Sudanese
South Sudan and Yemen in refugees about the dangers of cholera
and format.
Despite not featuring on our list of
To identify relevant content, the website Given that some larger broadcasters
of each news outlet was produced significantly more coverage
2017
The next step of our study was In South Sudan, nearly 4.3 million and how to avoid it. Uganda, Bidi
Bidi, Northern Region. 2017 leading producers of humanitarian news, searched using keywords related to than others, they will have a
to analyse how those news people – one in three people – have been the conflicts. To identify content on disproportionate influence on the
CNN International, the Mail Online and
organisations that produce a lot displaced, since conflict began in the BBC World Service, one news aggregate findings. We acknowledge or
Devex are all included in this study to
of humanitarian coverage tend to December 2013. Currently 7 million bulletin programme and one account for this, where relevant,
represent some of the most prolific for-
cover humanitarian affairs. To people in the country are in need of Newshour programme was listened to throughout the analysis. Similarly, given
profit producers of humanitarian
begin this discussion, we focus on assistance and protection. Although in full each day. Unfortunately, the the significant differences between
journalism. Both CNN International and
news outlets’ coverage of conflict. localized famine was stopped in 2017, search functions meant that only
the Mail Online produced original the remit and resources of the news
severe food insecurity continues to CGTN’s Africa and Americas sites organisations in our sample, we only offer
According to the UN Food and coverage of three of the four
increase and 1.1 million children under could be searched, and not their main
Agricultural Organisation (FAO) humanitarian crises/events discussed in general observations about the
age five are now estimated Beijing site. Only original articles characteristics of their reporting, rather
(2017:142), up to eighty percent of chapter 1, but were excluded from the
to be acutely malnourished (OCHA referring directly to the conflicts in than direct comparisons, which may be
humanitarian needs now emanate from list because they only ran news agency
2017b). South Sudan has also recently South Sudan and Yemen misleading.
violent conflicts. The next chapter copy in their
been described by UN humanitarian chief
complements these findings with an
Mark Lowcock as, ‘one of
analysis of reporting on ‘natural’
the most dangerous places in the world
disasters. Focus Format Funding
to be a humanitarian worker’ because
Two of the most severe, protracted of frequent crimes being committed Al Jazeera English Mainstream Television broadcaster State funded
violent conflicts are in Yemen and South against aid workers, with apparent
Sudan. In Yemen, an escalating conflict impunity. BBC World Service Mainstream Radio broadcaster Public Service
since March 2015 has caused forced CGTN (Africa and Americas) Mainstream Television broadcaster State funded
Despite regularly featuring in studies of
displacement, severe economic decline,
the most ‘under-reported’ crises, our aim CNN International Mainstream Television broadcaster For profit
and the collapse of basic services and
here is not to document once again the
institutions. By 2017 Mail Online Mainstream Online newspaper For profit
relative lack of coverage of these two
an estimated 22.2 million people Specialist Online For profit
crises. Instead, our focus is on Devex
(equivalent to 75 per cent of the
establishing how news outlets that did Mainstream Online newspaper Underwritten by
population) were in need of some Guardian
report on them, framed each crisis. In the (+ specialist section) a Trust
kind of humanitarian or protection
process, we also aim to establish how
assistance, including 11.3 million in IRIN News Specialist Online Non-profit
coverage of these two crises differed. The
acute need (OCHA 2017a).
results of our analysis Washington Post Mainstream Online newspaper For profit
are summarised in Table 2.1.

Table 2.2: News organisations included in the sample

13 14
 CHAPTER 2

Yeman
South Sudan
South Sudan Yemen
Al Jazeera English 34 81
BBC World Service 16 10
CGTN (Africa and Americas) 125 5
CNN International 17 36
Mail Online 4 5
Devex 15 12
Guardian 38 38
IRIN News 7 6
Washington Post 18 24

Table 2.3: Total number of original articles covering South Sudan Figure 2.1: Total no. of articles
and Yemen over six months in 2017, for different news outlets. per month about each crisis

Volume of coverage
Change over time in coverage Who speaks? Figure 2.2 also shows that affected
Overall, both crises received similar citizens made up only 16% of sources in
The results in Figure 2.1 show, perhaps The results in Figure 2.2 show that the
amounts of coverage across the nine coverage of South Sudan and
somewhat surprisingly, that coverage of kinds of sources used in the coverage of
news organisations in our sample. just 12% of sources in reporting on
both South Sudan and Yemen was both crises were fairly similar. In both
South Sudan was covered in 789 Yemen. These findings contrast with the
relatively consistent throughout the cases, the dominant voices were multi-
articles and Yemen in 810 articles. results of previous research into
sample period. This suggests that lateral institutions (27%, 28%), such as
Table 2.3 also shows that most news international news coverage, which has
although news outlets are often criticised the United Nations, and to
outlets gave similar amounts of revealed a widespread tendency to
for offering sporadic reporting of a lesser extent, International NGOs (19%,
coverage to each crisis. The only major prioritise the voices of affected citizens
humanitarian crises, news organisations 12%). The only significant difference
exceptions were Al Jazeera English and over sources within the international
committed to humanitarian reporting do between the voices heard in coverage of
CGTN, which focussed significantly organisations. Research by Magee and
maintain a degree of consistent coverage. these two crises was that there were
more on Yemen and South Sudan Scott (2016) revealed that, on average,
The Guardian, for example, had at least fewer references from local government
respectively. The apparent lack of 35% of individuals cited in international
two original news items about each crisis, sources in coverage of Yemen (5%) than
coverage of Yemen by CGTN likely news in UK news bulletins were ‘affected
every month. South Sudan (14%). Instead,
reflects, in part, our inability to citizens’ and only 3.5% were
international NGOs (19%), foreign
systematically search However, Figure 2.1 does also show that representatives of NGOs. The reliance on
governments (12%) and experts (8%)
content originating from their Beijing coverage of South Sudan peaked in multi-laterals and INGOs, rather than
were more likely
bureau (mentioned above) rather than March 2017, shortly after the affected citizens, in the reporting of
to be cited. Yemen
their lack of commitment to
covering the crisis. Al Jazeera English’s far UN declared famine in parts of the and South Sudan is likely the result of
greater coverage of Yemen rather than country. After this, the total amount the extreme difficulties journalists face in
South Sudan, likely reflects of coverage South Sudan received gaining access to these countries.
the fact that the news outlet was declined steadily each month. Whilst
suspended from South Sudan on 1st Figure 2.2: Sources used in news
May 2017. there was also a spike in coverage items about South Sudan and Yemen.
of Yemen in August 2017, this can be
almost entirely explained by a
significant increase in coverage from Al
Jazeera English only.
OCHA

UN Humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien meets with displaced communities in a

Protection of Civilians site in Juba. They shared with him some of the challenges
they face as a result of the on-going conflict in South Sudan. Civilians –
especially women and children – bear the brunt of the war. The Emergency Yeman
Relief Coordinator (ERC) called on parties to commit to sustainable peace and
South Sudan
warned that if violence continues, the already vast number of people suffering
will continue to rise appallingly. Photo: OCHA/Guiomar Pau Sole.

15 16
 CHAPTER 2

Yeme South Sudan

n
Conflict / violence 73%
81%
International relations 16%
41%
Health 10%
37%
Food security 44%
36%
Aid policy / 26%
17%
industry Children 12%
13%
Domestic politics 24%
12%
Economics 14%
10%
Law and order 4%
7%
Displacement 28%
6%
Weather and 8%
4%
climate Gender 4%
0%
Other 6%
7%

Figure 2.3: Sources used by different news organisations

Table 2.4: Topic prevalence in the coverage
in their coverage of South Sudan and Yemen.
of crises in Yemen and South Sudan

By contrast, the topic of ‘gender’ was Nevertheless, a relatively small but Table 2.4 also shows that other topics
Figure 2.3 shows that the news outlets that The profile of sources used in coverage by In contrast, just 16% of coverage of
rarely discussed, featuring in just 4% of committed group of (largely female) rarely covered, in either crisis, include
made greatest use of the voices of affected the Guardian and the Washington Post South Sudan was about international
coverage of South Sudan and in no news reporters said they wanted to cover a religion (Yemen 1%, South Sudan 1%)
citizens in their coverage were the BBC was similar, although the Guardian was relations and in most cases, the focus was
items about Yemen. The only news wider range of issues affecting women and the environment (Yemen 0%, South
World Service (28%), the one of only 4 news outlets to include the on the levels of support being provided
outlets to cover stories about women and and girls, but had struggled to get these Sudan 1%).
Mail Online (25%), Al Jazeera English voices of local experts or local NGOs. The by other countries. This is evident in
girls were CGTN (6 news items), the commissioned by mainstream news
(18%) and CNN International (18%). The dominant voices in coverage by CGTN headlines such as ‘EU and UK united in The two news organisations covering the
Guardian (4 news items), Al Jazeera outlets. Some saw journalism about
range of voices within the Mail Online’s were from multi-lateral organisations effort to combat famine in South Sudan’ widest range of topics were the Guardian
English (1 news item) and the BBC human rights and/or international
output may seem surprising, given the (26%) and local and foreign governments (Guardian). Indeed, there was more and Al Jazeera English.
World Service (1 news item). Examples development as offering them greater
outlet is often criticised for not focussing (31%) rather international NGOs (3%) or discussion of aid and aid policy in news The Mail Online had the greatest
include articles entitled, ‘Mothers and scope for telling more varied stories
on international affairs, and for lobbying affected citizens (12%). about South Sudan (26%) than there was proportion of coverage focussed on food
babies at risk amid critical midwives’ about
against foreign nationals coming to the in news about Yemen (17%). Examples security, IRIN News focussed most on aid
Topics shortage in South Sudan’ (CGTN) and women’s suffering, including issues to do
UK. One explanation is that the outlet of such coverage include, ‘Local aid policy, Al Jazeera English on
Table 2.4 shows that ‘conflict/ violence’ ‘Foreign governments must ‘pressure with FGM, trafficking, economic
uses a lot of news agency copy in its workers on the front line of South displacement, the BBC World Service on
was, quite understandably, the most South Sudan to end epidemic of rape’’ exploitation (and empowerment), LGBT
reporting on these crises. The agencies – Sudan’s civil war’ (IRIN News) and conflict and CGTN on international
common topic within coverage of both (Guardian). issues, and women’s protest movements.
Thomson Reuters, AFP and AP – often ‘Humanitarian work is being blocked by relations.
South Sudan (73%) and Yemen (81%). The funding offered by the Bill and
have journalists filing from the field, who bureaucracy’ (Guardian). Furthermore, Similarly, the journalists whom we
The declaration of famine in South Sudan Melinda Gates Foundation and other
address a wide range of issues and have the other countries most commonly interviewed tended to only discuss
also explains the focus on ‘food security’ NGOs was viewed as crucial in
access to local sources. discussed in articles about South Sudan women as the victims of sexual
(44%), while the cholera outbreak in supporting these kinds of reporting.
were attacks by local men, and/
Figure 2.3 also shows that affected Yemen explains why 37% of coverage However, journalists complained that
Nigeria, Yemen and Somalia – implying or as particularly vulnerable during
citizens were less likely to be cited in was about ‘health’. However, Table 2.4 such forms of reporting could also
that one of the dominant frames of such humanitarian crises because of the risks
more specialist news outlets, such as also reveals a number of notable be stereotypical: tending to focus on
coverage was the idea of the ‘four of being pregnant or giving birth
Devex (2%) and IRIN News (10%). differences between coverage of each powerful or ‘heroic’ individuals, such
famines’ which were taking without adequate medical care. As one
Devex was more likely to quote crisis. For example, nearly half (41%) of as women entrepreneurs and
place in that year. put it, “I think with women it still
representatives from multi-lateral all news items about Yemen were related scientists, who sought to relieve their own
seems to be that you’ve either got to…
organisations (33%), international NGOs to international relations. Interestingly, the topic of ‘children’ or others’ suffering.
die in childbirth, or it’s got
(27%) and local / international Examples include, ‘Dissecting Saudi featured relatively often; in 13% of
to be a sexual violence thing”. Rape was
businesses (6%). IRIN was most likely to Arabia’s role in Yemen’ (CNN coverage of Yemen and 12% of
almost always mentioned by journalists
cite international experts (12%) and International) and ‘UN agrees to send coverage of South Sudan. This topic
in the context of local women being
local NGOs (4%). war crimes investigators to Yemen’ (Al appeared most often in coverage by Al
attacked by local men– rarely
Jazeera English). Jazeera English, the Guardian,
peacekeepers and never aid- workers,
CGTN and CNN International. Examples
until the major sex scandals broke in
include articles entitled, ‘South Sudan’s
spring 2018.
orphans seek solace in martial arts’
(Al Jazeera English) and ‘Yemen aid
worker: ‘Too many children are dying’
(CNN International).

17 18
 CHAPTER 2

Yeman
South Sudan

South Sudan Yemen

BBC World Service 94% 80%
CGTN (Africa and Americas) 31% 40%
Guardian 21% 26%
CNN International 20% 33%
Al Jazeera English 17% 43%
Devex 13% 50%
Washington Post 10% 42%
Mail Online 0% 40%
IRIN 0% 17%

Table 2.5: Percentage of news items about

each crisis that is ‘breaking news’
Figure 2.4: Styles of reporting used to cover
Yemen and South Sudan (excluding CGTN)
Style of reporting
Journalists are often criticised for
SUMMARY
sporadic, sensationalistic and de- war’ (Al Jazeera English) and ‘Donors Table 2.5 also show that coverage is not The most significant difference
pledge $1.1Bn to Yemen, with ‘one hand usually in the form of ‘breaking news’. between the style of reporting used to In summary, our analysis shows that theWhilst
volume
CGTN
of coverage
also had of
a focus
both South
on breaking
Sudan news
and Y
contextualised news coverage on outlets was relatively consistent throughout
Devexthe
wassample
the most
period
likely
and
towas
focus
usually
on economic
charact
conflicts, side-lining detailed tied behind their backs’ (Devex). The BBC World Service was the only cover South Sudan and Yemen concerns
news outlet to produce the use of ‘campaigning’ a reliance on voices from multilaterals The
and INGOs,
Mail Online
rather
made
thanextensive
from affected
use ofcitizens
news a
analyses of long-running crises. In fact, only two news outlets in the Coverage of South Sudan peaked after the UN declared famine
But our research shows that news a majority of news items in which the or ‘investigation’ coverage. Reporting on
sample (BBC World Service and in parts of the country but subsequently declined steadily. Reporting on this crisis was
organisations which produce a lot of principal ‘news hook’ [event on which South Sudan (18%) was almost twice as
CGTN, which both have a relatively There were also important differences between news outlets in their reporting on thes
humanitarian coverage actually tend to the story focuses] occurred within 24 likely to adopt such a style as coverage
stronger focus on breaking news) did
do the opposite. hours of the article being published. of Yemen (10%). A
not have at least 50% of their coverage
Interestingly, the results in Table 2.6 ‘campaigning’ style of reporting refers to
in the form of ‘reportage’. This
Figure 2.4 shows that only around 10% also show that coverage of South Sudan news items which either actively
suggests that, when these news outlets
of coverage of these crises was in the was even less likely to be ‘breaking campaign for particular causes and issues
do cover the crises in Yemen and South
form of conventional news’ than coverage of Yemen for or which actively investigate, expose or
Sudan, they tend to offer relatively
‘reporting’. Cottle and Rai (2011:180) every news outlet, apart from the BBC uncover information and practices (Cottle
detailed and/or contextualised
define this as relatively short news items, World Service. and Rai 2006:175). Such coverage was
reporting.
‘involving information conveyance and most likely to be produced by the
the surveillance of current events, framed Washington Post (33%), the Guardian
in terms of (24%) and
up-to-date’ information and often lacking IRIN News (21%). Examples include,
context’. Examples of such news items ‘Britain must seize the initiative on
include, ‘Airstrike in Yemen kills dozens Yemen’ (Guardian), ‘South Sudan’s man-
at hotel’ (CNN International) and ‘13 made famine demands a response’
South Sudanese soldiers appear in court in (Washington Post) and ‘South Sudan:
Juba’ (BBC World Service). (The results Time for humanitarians to get tough’
for CGTN are excluded from Figure 2.4 (IRIN). By contrast, there was no such
because its inclusion would significantly reporting by the BBC World Service,
Knowles-Coursin – PANOS

distort the overall findings). CGTN, Devex or the Mail Online.

Instead, a significant majority of news
items about both Yemen (70%) and
South Sudan (64%) were in the form of
‘reportage’. This refers to coverage that,
‘attempts to generate deeper
understanding and insights into current
news events… through the provision of
detailed background, context and
analysis’ (Cottle and Rai
2011:181). Examples include, ‘There are Picture left: Photojournalist Knowles-Coursin aboard a UN cargo
no clear winners in South Sudan’s helicopter headed to Jonglei State, South Sudan, in late 2013.

19
19 20 20
 CHAPTER 3
Picture left: Nepali and international rescue workers celebrate the rescue of two
young men pulled alive from a collapsed building in Gongabu-4, Naya Buspark,
Kathmandu, five days after the 25 April earthquake. 2015.

Reuters IRIN News

Main humanitarian actors Foreign governments and International (and local) NGOs
multi-lateral institutions. and local government.
Representation of the Unable to cope, ineffectual or One of a number of

HOW ARE ‘NATURAL’ Nepalese government corrupt. humanitarian actors.

Aubrey Wade – PANOS

Representation of Focus on non-Nepalese Focus on Nepalese nationals.
affected citizens ‘foreigners’, including ‘trekkers’.

DISASTERS Dominant framing device ‘Conflicts’ between international Multiple perspectives on issues related to the
and national actors. effectiveness of humanitarian response.
Thematic focus Health, illness and disease. Sanitation, migration, children,

REPORTED?
governance, gender, refugees, disaster risk
reduction (DRR).
Other characteristics Timeliness, dramatization and a Few efforts to dramatize events.
domestic-foreign dichotomy.

Comparing coverage of the Table 3.1: Key features of coverage of the 2015 of
Nepal earthquake by Reuters and IRIN News
2015 Nepal earthquake by
Thomson Reuters and IRIN
News Method

Most research done into the

Thomson Reuters is one of the ‘big three’ website does receive around 180,000 Our analysis involved a combination of
reporting of humanitarian issues
international news agencies. These wire unique visitors each month. During the content analysis and framing analysis.
has tended to focus on coverage
services produce original news reports first two weeks after the Nepal The sample period consisted of all news
of seemingly natural, rapid onset
about events in almost all countries and earthquake, 41% of all of the outputs by items produced by Reuters (including the
disasters (Joye 2010; Yan and
sell them to subscribing news IRIN News focussed on this event. Thomson Reuters Foundation) and IRIN
Bissell 2015).
organizations around the world. Given the News within
However, this research rarely To be clear, our aim is not to establish
high costs associated with producing news the first 13 days after the earthquake
differentiates between the approaches which news outlet produced the ‘best’
about humanitarian crises, most news (25.4.15 – 7.5.15). The aim was to
taken by different news outlets. coverage of the earthquake and its
organisations rely heavily on these analyse all of their journalistic, text-
We studied this question in 2015, in aftermath. The way in which Reuters and
newswires for their coverage of natural heavy, outputs within this period.
an analysis of the 7.8 magnitude IRIN News covered this event is a
hazards overseas. As a result, they have a So we included all conventional
earthquake that struck Nepal on 25th reflection of the extreme differences in
significant influence over how citizens news reports and special reports/
April that year, killing more than 9,000 their remit and resources, as well
around features, and photo features that had
people and injuring over 23,000. In as the different audiences they serve.
the globe come to understand accompanying commentary.

Laxmi Prasad Ngakhusi / UNDP Nepal

this chapter, we examine Rather, the purpose of this analysis is to
humanitarian crises. Thomson Reuters also
how this earthquake and its aftermath illustrate how ‘natural’ disasters are Articles were excluded if they were text-
carries content produced by its
were reported by two, very different covered by influential news light or non-journalistic. This included
philanthropic arm – the Thomson Reuters
international news organisations: organisations and how this reporting guest articles, brief updates (less than
Foundation (TRF) – which includes
Thomson Reuters and IRIN News. They are might differ. Table 3.1 summarises the 150 words), liveblogs and video only
coverage of ‘the world’s humanitarian
the oldest and most established English results of our analysis. (with no accompanying text). As a result
hotspots’ (see chapter 1).
language news agency, and specialist of this strict qualifying criteria and
humanitarian news outlet, respectively. IRIN News is an independent, non- relatively small sample period a
We chose these outlets profit news organisation, which reports significant number of articles produced
as they are the only two major exclusively on news about humanitarian by Reuters are excluded from the
international news organisations that crises and responses to them. Its main analysis. In total, 27 articles from
explicitly describe at least part of their audience has traditionally been those Reuters and 17 from IRIN News
journalism as ‘humanitarian’. Both news interested or working in humanitarian qualified for inclusion in the study. In
outlets also feature in our list of ‘top 12’ response each article, we analyse which sources
producers of humanitarian news (see – specialists, in other words. It is much were quoted, the topic
chapter 1) smaller in size and reach than focus, and the framing of the disaster.
Thomson Reuters, although their Early on 25 April, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck in Nepal,
causing widespread devastation and loss of life. This image shows
some of the damage in Kathmandu valley.

21 22
 CHAPTER 3

Reuters IRIN
Local government 27% 9%

Laxmi Prasad Ngakhusi / UNDP Nepal

Local participant / observer 23% 25%
Multi-lateral organisation 20% 16%
Foreign government 12% 5%
International NGO 8% 22%
Other (e.g. international media) 6% 7%
Other local institution 3% 6%
Think Tank/Academic (International) 2% 1%
Local NGO 0% 8%

Table 3.2: Comparison of the proportion of use

of different sources by Reuters and IRIN News

International actors
National/local actors Senior government officials said Affected citizens gave particular attention to the impact of
The central humanitarian actor in Reuters customs checks were necessary, the earthquake on (non- Nepalese) This image shows some of the
Although the Nepalese government was Reuters (23%) and IRIN News (25%) had damage in Kathmandu valley.
coverage of the 2015 Nepal earthquake because they did not know what ‘trekkers’. ‘Trekkers’ were the main
the most cited source within Reuters a similar proportion of quotes from
was the “international community”. Table was coming into the country. Some subject of two articles and were
coverage (27%), on most occasions they people directly affected by the earthquake.
3.2 shows that 32% of all sources in rescue workers, for their part, said mentioned in over half of all others. By
were the simply the source for brief However, there were significant
Reuters news were either foreign they were frustrated by what they contrast, ‘trekkers’ or ‘climbers’ were
updates on the death toll. Beyond this, differences between who was being cited,
governments (primarily the US) – or saw as bureaucratic delays and lack only mentioned in one IRIN article and
Reuters coverage frequently presented how they were cited, and the distribution
multi-lateral institutions, such as the UN of coordination by the government. on that occasion, referred to Nepalese
the Nepalese government as either of these references within articles. For
or the IMF. These international actors journalist – Kunda Dixit. Topics
unable to cope, ineffectual or corrupt, There were also examples within IRIN example, whilst
were repeatedly framed as the main actors
as the following headlines help to News’s coverage of the Nepalese two thirds of all IRIN articles included Both Reuters and IRIN News articles In its coverage of the Nepal earthquake,
responding to the earthquake, as is
illustrate. government being presented as unable to at least one quote from an affected made a number of explicit references to the thematic focus of most Reuters
evident in the following headlines
– An overwhelmed government cope and ineffectual - most notably in citizen, this was the case for only one the agency of affected Nepalese citizens articles was primarily on the implications
of Reuters articles.
appealed for foreign help. the article entitled, ‘Nepal quake fund third of Reuters articles. Similarly, 38% in responding to the earthquake. Examples for health, illness and disease. Examples
– U.S. sending disaster team, initial move is PR fiasco’. However, this was of IRIN articles were classified as include, ‘In Kathmandu Valley, quake-hit include, ‘Quake overwhelms Nepal’s
$1 million to Nepal – Kerry – Anger over the pace of the rescue has
not the dominant feature of IRIN’s adopting a ‘human interest’ frame Nepalis fend for themselves’ (Reuters) weak healthcare system’, ‘Thousands of
flared in some areas, with Nepalis
– IMF ready to send team to Nepal to representation of the – using a human story or emotional and Nepal quake survivors may face lifelong
accusing the government of being
assess needs local authorities. Instead, the Nepalese angle to frame the story. This was the ‘A local Nepalese social worker, Harka disabilities: aid workers’ and ‘Monsoons
too slow to distribute international
– Google, Facebook join Red Cross to government was presented as one case for 19% of Reuters articles. Bahadur Rai, has taken it upon himself to could bring disease, a second crisis, to
aid that flooded
find thousands missing after Nepal of a number of actors responding to the coordinate community efforts to build Nepal – UNICEF’.
into the country. Moreover, only one of the 20 affected
quake earthquake. In the article, ‘Why wasn’t temporary…’ (IRIN). However, Reuters
citizens IRIN News cited (5%) was a non- In contrast, IRIN News addressed a
Within these articles, the Nepalese quake-prone Nepal better prepared?’ for also reported on tensions between
– Celebrities seek funds for Nepalese national. By contrast, 34% of all wider range of topics in its coverage of
government was often also presented example, the failings of the Nepalese ‘foreigners and Nepalese’ – once again
Nepal quake such sources in Reuters articles were the Nepal Earthquake. Topics included
within a ‘conflictual’ frame: as government were both disaggregated adopting a ‘conflictual’ frame, as in the
‘foreigners’. Examples include, aid policy, disaster risk reduction and
By comparison, IRIN News coverage only one ‘side’ of a ‘conflict’ – usually (into capacity, legislation and planning) following extract.
‘Romanian climber Alex Gavan, who was migration/internal displacement.
quoted foreign governments four times. responding to criticisms of its response and integrated into a wider discussion,
at base camp, posted on his Twitter Tensions between foreigners and Examples of such articles include,
Instead, Table 3.2 shows that quotations from international actors. which included references to geology,
account’ and ‘U.S. climber John Reiter Nepalis desperate to be evacuated ‘Aboard Flight 652: Nepalese migrants
from international actors were dominated geography and urbanisation.
[who] said dozens of people had suffered have also surfaced. In Langtang head home to help’ and ‘Aid agencies
by international NGOs – making up 22% critical injuries, many of them with head valley, where 150 people are feared pour into Nepal – and then what?’
of all sources. Reuters articles contained injuries’. In fact, Reuters coverage trapped, a helicopter pilot was taken
relatively few citations from international
hostage by locals demanding to be
NGOs (8%).
evacuated first, one report said.

23
24
 CHAPTER 3
Picture right: Some of the
damage in Bhaktapur.
Laxmi Prasad Ngakhusi / UNDP Nepal

Terminology
Reuters often used terminology which
reinforced a traditional domestic- foreign
dichotomy – frequently using the terms
‘Westerners’, ‘foreigners’ and ‘locals’.
For example, the word ‘foreign’ was used
32 times in 27 Reuters articles.
‘The dead include at least
seven foreigners but only two
had been identified.’
‘Langtang is on a trekking route
Some of the damage in Bhaktapur. popular with Westerners and the
village had 55 guesthouses catering

News values Dramatisation

for visitors.’ SUMMARY
‘Rescue workers are struggling
Timeliness was a key concern for Reuters coverage of the earthquake and to recover the bodies of nearly Overall, there were significant
Reuters. 67% of all Reuters articles its aftermath was also characterised by 300 people, including about differences between how
made reference to an incident / attempts to dramatize events. The quotes 110 these two news organisations
statement or other ‘news hook’ which below illustrate how this was achieved. foreigners… So far, the bodies of nine reported on the earthquake
took place in the previous 24 hours. foreigners have been recovered.’ in Nepal in terms of sources,
This compares to only one IRIN News Nepal is a crossroads of the ancient topics, and framing of the
civilisations of Asia and economic hub These quotes also help to illustrate that
story (6%). One of the most common disaster and its response. These
of the Himalayan nation of 28 million. the number of non-Nepalese nationals
news hooks for differences are the result of
affected was also repeatedly
Reuters reports were updated figures or A young girl worshipped by many as the outlets different audiences
– in almost every Reuters article –
estimates for the number of people a living goddess survived Saturday’s and funding models. IRIN aims
disaggregated from the total numbers of
affected by the earthquake. All Reuters earthquake near one of the royal to address a global audience:
affected individuals.
articles included some mention of this palaces in Kathmandu where most humanitarian workers, its key
and other buildings were flattened. “Her In addition, the nationality of affected demographic, are based all
a number devoted significant space to temple stands intact because of her individuals and the origins of around the world.
discussing and/or updating these divine powers,” Pratap Man Shakya, international NGOs – were also
frequently stated in Reuters coverage. Reuters content, by contrast,
estimates. the girl’s father, told Reuters.
is made for an audience that
For IRIN News articles, the most ‘British charity Save the Children is still primarily based in the
The claim that Nepal has ‘the most
common framing device was a question. said hospitals in the Kathmandu West. This may explain their
difficult terrain on earth’ and that this
35% of IRIN News’ article headlines Valley were overcrowded, running differentiation of ‘Nepalese’
was, ‘the worst earthquake in 81
were framed in this way. Examples out of room to store dead bodies and ‘foreign’ casualties,
years’ was also frequently repeated.
include, ‘Why wasn’t quake- prone Nepal and short on emergency supplies.’ and their focus on quoting
better prepared?’ and Attempts to dramatise coverage were also ‘Devyani Pant, an Indian tourist in international, rather than
‘is it really time to call off search-and- evident in references to a ‘battle’ or ‘race’ Kathmandu, told Reuters.’ local actors. IRIN is also a
rescue in Nepal?’ As these examples against time, within Reuters coverage.
In contrast, IRIN never once used either specialist, not-for-profit
illustrate, the primary focus of these This is evident in headlines such as, ‘Yaks,
the phrase ‘Westerners’ or ‘foreigners’ in outlet. They do not seek to
questions was the effectiveness helicopters race against time to feed Nepal
any of their reports. Representatives of make money with their
/ adequacy of the humanitarian quake survivors’ and ‘survivors battle for
international NGOs content. Rather, they aim to
helicopters near Nepal village that
Laxmi Prasad Ngakhusi / UNDP Nepal

response – of both the government and help improve humanitarian

vanished’. – such as Save the Children – were only
of international NGOs. Estimates of the responses, for example, by
IRIN News’ coverage was far less likely rarely introduced by their country of
effects of the earthquake were also less scrutinising the aid response
to dramatize events. It made no origin. Instead, their full name and
frequent and less prominent in IRIN to disasters. Reuters is a
reference to ‘races’ or ‘battles’ against headline was given, such as ‘Shawsat
News reporting and often referred to a commercial news outlet, and
time and only one reference to the claim Saraf, Asia operations director for Action
much wider range of effects than the its content reflects the news
that this was ‘Nepal’s worst earthquake Against Hunger’ and ‘Dharma Raj
number of casualties, such as the values of traditional journalism
in more than 80 years’. Pandey, head of the disaster unit for the
number of homes damages and the – including a greater emphasis
NRCS’.
number of people temporarily on timeliness and drama.
displaced.

25 26
 CHAPTER 4

WHAT DO

Stefan Boness – PANOS

AUDIENCES OF
MAINSTREAM
NEWS THINK OF A protestor holds a placard that

HUMANITARIAN reads: ‘Putin: Fake News Real Wars’ at

a ‘Stop Bombing Syria and the Mass
Killing in Aleppo’ protest rally in front

JOURNALISM?
of Berlin.
the Reichstag building. Germany,
Figure 4.1: The degree to which respondents claim
2016. to follow different forms of international news

Having analysed the production

But these assumptions – from Interest in humanitarian news The USA was the only one of these 4 Perceptions of coverage as
and content of humanitarian
journalists and NGOs – are often built countries in which consumption of too ‘positive’ or ‘negative’
journalism, it is important to also Contrary to the belief of some editors and
on rather thin market research, news about ‘humanitarian disasters’
consider how audiences respond journalists, Table 4.1 shows Furthermore, it appears that
including very small focus groups, as (43%) was not the highest of these 5
to this journalism. There are a that some forms of humanitarian audiences are less concerned about
well as being influenced by audience issues. Instead, news about foreign
number of common assumptions journalism are, in fact, relatively very the positive/negative tone of
correspondence, feedback affairs (52%) and human rights (45%)
about the attitudes of Western popular with audiences. Overall, across humanitarian coverage than
from think tanks and journalists’ own were more popular. In both France and
audiences towards humanitarian all 4 countries in the sample, more people journalists and NGO communicators often
personal convictions. Germany, 64% of respondents claimed

Seamus Murphy – PANOS

and development journalism. claim to follow news about assume. The results in Figure
to follow news about ‘humanitarian
In order to provide an overview of the ‘humanitarian disasters’ (59%) either 4.2 suggest that some Western publics do
Perhaps the most widespread is that disasters’ (59%) either ‘closely’ or ‘fairly
attitudes of Western audiences ‘closely’ or ‘fairly closely’ not feel that news coverage of aid and
they suffer from a sense of closely’.
towards humanitarian news and, in than any other type of international development is either too ‘negative’ or
‘compassion fatigue’, characterised, in
the process, review these assumptions, we news, including coverage of foreign There was no significant difference too ‘positive’. Only 6% of respondents
part, by a disengagement from news
discuss the results of an ongoing survey affairs in general (53%), and news between levels of consumption of who said they followed news about
coverage of overseas disasters and other
of public attitudes towards aid in the UK, specifically about climate change (45%), news about humanitarian disasters global development very or fairly closely
international crises (Moeller 1999).
France, Germany and the US. In 2016, the human rights (45%) and political unrest between men and women (unlike for agreed entirely with the statement
Related to this, some editors, funders and Aid Attitude Tracker (AAT), asked 8,000 in developing countries (44%). consumption of news about ‘media reports about overseas aid focus
NGOs believe that audiences will engage respondents in each of these countries Consumption of news about foreign affairs). Political affiliation (left too much on the negatives’. Similarly,
more with ‘positive’ forms of coverage. In questions specifically about the international development was the least vs right) also had little relationship with just 2% thought that media coverage was
their recent study of NGO communications consumption Picture left: BBC correspondent popular overall (32%) – and the extent to which audiences consumed too ‘positive’. By contrast, half of these
practitioners, Seu and Orgad (2017) of international news (see Clarke et al John Simpson reporting from the was particularly unpopular in the UK humanitarian news. The most important respondents did not have a view either
document NGO-workers’ tendency not 2018). Shamali Plain north of the Afghan (26%). demographic factor was age. Older way (29%) or said that they simply
only to eschew ‘negative’ imagery in capital Kabul as Northern Alliance respondents were significantly more ‘didn’t know’ (21%).
favour of ‘positive’ imagery and language fighters prepare to move closer to the likely to report following news about
– but also try to make Western audiences city. Afghanistan, Charikar, Parwan humanitarian disasters than younger
‘feel good’ when representing Province. 2001. participants, especially when compared
humanitarian issues, to other forms of international news.
by reducing feelings of sadness,
discomfort, guilt and anger.

27
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 CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5

Iva Zimova – PANOS

SUMMARY
These results appear to challenge a number of widely held assumptions about Western audiences’ attitudes towards some forms of humanitarian news. First, they seem to contest the belief that Western
in journalistic coverage of humanitarian disasters overseas. Second, they appear to contradict the assumption that these audiences necessarily want
more ‘positive’ coverage of humanitarian crises. Third, they indicate that concerns over fake news may not feature particularly strongly within audience responses to humanitarian and development news
There is, of course, much that these results do not tell us. For example, they do not explain why more people claim to follow news about ‘humanitarian disasters’ than other forms of international news.
think will be viewed favourably by others. Despite this, they do at least remind us that news audiences’ attitudes, habits and reactions are complex, dynamic, and rarely predictable.

WHAT DO
Figure 4.2: Respondents’ perceptions of whether news about
international aid was too ‘negative’ or ‘too positive’
THOSE WORKING IN THE AID SECTOR

One of the most important Methodology

audiences for humanitarian Volunteers, rescue teams and
In total, 1626 respondents completed the photographers waiting for a crowded
journalism are those working in the
survey, including individuals working for dinghy loaded with undocumented
aid sector. We were interested in
International NGOs (28%), the United migrants and refugees to arrive on
how aid workers use and perceive
Figure 4.3: Respondents’ perceptions of the Nations (9%), academia (9%), national or a shore of Skala Sikaminias. Greece,
humanitarian journalism.
accuracy of news about international aid local NGOs (8%), government Lesbos. 2016.
Where do they get their news from? organisations (8%) and the corporate
What do they think of it? What types of sector (5%). A majority of respondents
Fake news?
news would they like to see more of? were either mid-
Finally, the survey results also suggest that These questions have not been career (32%) or senior professionals
the apparent crisis of trust surrounding researched before, but they are crucial (41%) and had either ‘some’ (34%) or a
journalism in western countries (the so factors in assessing the performance of ‘significant’ amount (30%) of decision-
called “fake news crisis”), does not humanitarian journalism, and making authority within their
extend to news coverage of humanitarian establishing how organisation. While most were based in
crises and development. Trust in the it can be developed to best serve its the US or Europe, others worked around
media is at an all-time low in many audiences in the future. the globe, from Mexico to Kenya, at
industrialised countries (Swift 2016). headquarters and in
We worked with the humanitarian
But, when asked, ‘how accurate do you the field.
news agency IRIN News to help to
think media reports and stories about
Jeroen Oerlemans – PANOS

answer these important questions. Given the nature of this survey, it is

overseas aid and development are’ very
few respondents expressed strong views. In January 2018, IRIN carried out a important to note that regular readers of
Although only 1% of those who said survey of individuals who were either IRIN News were over-represented in this
they followed news about global directly or indirectly involved in the aid sample. 59% claimed to use IRIN either
development very or fairly closely or development sector, including both ‘regularly’ or ‘heavily’, whilst 41% used
perceived such news IRIN readers and non-readers. A section IRIN ‘occasionally’
of the survey focused specifically on or ‘never’. This will have shaped some of
to be ‘very accurate’, only 4% of
perceptions of IRIN’s coverage, but the results. It is also worth noting that this
respondents thought it was ‘not at all
respondents were also asked about their survey was carried out before the widely
accurate’. By far the most common
media preferences reported sexual misconduct scandals at
and habits in general. The answers to
Oxfam UK and other aid
responses were ‘don’t know’ (18%) A news team prepares to record a broadcast in front of the blackened remains
of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 at the crash site. Ukraine, Grabove, Donetsk these questions form the basis of the agencies. Opinions about the aid
or a rating of 5 out of 10 on a
region. 2014 . discussion below. industry, and how it should be held to
10-point scale (23%).
account, may have evolved since this
time.
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 CHAPTER 5

Criticisms of
expert analysis (31%). By contrast, their
mainstream news
existing sources of information were
coverage
perceived to perform relatively poorly on
The survey results reveal a widespread issues such as investigative reporting
dissatisfaction with mainstream news (21%), consistent coverage of ongoing
coverage amongst those working crises and issues (23%), early warning
in the aid industry. Almost three quarters coverage (29%) and especially solutions-
(73%) of respondents agreed (47%) or oriented coverage (37%).
strongly agreed (26%)
A comparison between these two sets
that the mainstream news media do not
of results reveals a number of
produce enough coverage of
interesting issues. First, these results
humanitarian issues and crises.
show that breaking news was
This sentiment was particularly likely to
both the best performing aspect of
be expressed by those working for
respondents’ news sources, but also the
INGOs (77%) and by those in executive
least valued. By contrast, what they value
management (C-Suite) positions (76%).
most of all from their news coverage is
Of the 13% of respondents overall expert analysis. Given this, it is somewhat
(and 19% of non-IRIN readers) who reassuring that they perceived their current
thought that mainstream news does sources of news to perform relatively well
produce enough coverage of in this regard, as it was the second most
humanitarian issues, many commented highly rated feature of news coverage.
that, ‘it’s not so much the quantity Despite
but the quality that is the problem’. this, it is also the case that less than a
Indeed, the qualitative responses third (31%) of respondents stated that
Figure 5.1: Responses to the question: What are your key Figure 5.2: Responses to the question: What are your key specialist
revealed widespread dissatisfaction with their sources for news about
mainstream sources for news and analysis on humanitarian sources for news and analysis on humanitarian issues? (Select top
the nature of mainstream news humanitarian issues performed ‘above
coverage, in four particular areas. issues? (Select all that apply). three).
Third, and perhaps most common, was Sources of news Three of the most popular sources of will over-estimate IRIN’s reach since average’ in terms of expert analysis. It is
First, many respondents felt that the complaint that mainstream news news and information were news regular IRIN readers were the main also worth remembering that many
mainstream news coverage The results in Figure 5.1 show that respondents considered ‘think-tank
coverage was ‘sensationalist’ and ‘lacked aggregators, including Reliefweb target audiences for this survey.
concentrates on a small number of respondents rely on a very small publications’ as a key source of news
in-depth analysis’. Reporting (55%), DAWNS Digest (3%) and other
crises, leaving most ‘neglected’ or number of mainstream news outlets for and information.
of humanitarian issues and crises was curated news digests (16%) (such as The perceived importance and
‘forgotten’. One stated that, ‘there is a their news about humanitarian issues
frequently referred to as, ‘reductive’, Humanitariannews.org and performance of humanitarian Second, there was a significant
cherry picking of crises that doesn’t and crises. Only three news outlets were
‘cursory’, ‘simplistic’ and ‘shallow’. Humanitarian NewsCuratr). Second, news coverage discrepancy between the perceived
relate to the severity’, whilst another mentioned by more than half of
One survey respondent stated that, the results highlight the importance of importance of investigative journalism
commented that coverage focussed, respondents – the BBC (including the The results in Table 5.1 show that, of the
‘in terms of quality, depth and analysis: non-journalistic sources as a resource for and its performance. Despite being the
‘only on bigger catastrophes not the BBC World Service) (73%), The news coverage that respondents do
abysmal’. Another wrote that news news and information within the aid second most valued aspect of news
daily suffering of people worldwide’. Guardian (including the Global consume, the four most highly valued
coverage, ‘remains dramatic but often industry. 41% of respondents selected coverage, less than a quarter (24%)
Development site) (64%) and Al aspects were; expert analysis (58%),
Second, respondents also regularly light touch, not going sufficiently to the ‘think-tank publications’ judged their current sources
Jazeera English (52%). Alongside the investigative reporting (54%), consistent
commented that, when crises were causes’. as one of their ‘top three’ specialist of humanitarian news to be ‘above
New York Times and the Washington coverage of ongoing crises and issues
reported, the news media had a ‘short sources of news. average’ for this criteria. As one
Finally, respondents often claimed that Post, these outlets were frequently (52%) and impartial or neutral reporting
attention span’. In this regard, coverage was often ‘incomplete’ or described as the only ‘exceptions’ to Finally, while there are a handful of (52%). The four least valued aspects of respondent put it, ‘there’s just
mainstream news coverage was ‘partial’ because it was perceived to be the general problems of mainstream popular specialist news outlets, news coverage were; voices and stories very little scrutiny of the sector’.
frequently described as ‘sporadic’, shaped by commercial or political news coverage described above. including the Thomson Reuters from the field (43%), solutions-oriented Investigative stories were also often
‘irregular’ and ‘fleeting’. As one interests. One wrote that, ‘mainstream Foundation (36%), Foreign Policy coverage (42%), early warning coverage mentioned as being, ‘the kind of stories
The results in Figure 5.2 highlight a [that] have had the most impact’. One
respondent explained, ‘we rarely see media only communicates enough (32%), UN Dispatch (28%), Devex (42%) and,
number of interesting features about respondent wrote that, ‘the scandals are
humanitarian issues in the news unless it humanitarian issues to not ‘rock (22%) and News Deeply (15%), none in particular, breaking news (31%).
where these specialists get their news. those that make me reflect most on the
is a catastrophe and then it is only the boat’ on their sales, logins dominates the field. Unfortunately,
First, they signal the importance of news Regarding the performance of the change that needs to be made in areas of
covered for about 2-3 days’. and downloads’. these results do not accurately show how
aggregators in this field. news media in these particular areas, my control’.
IRIN News’ reach compares
to these outlets. Although 77% of Table 5.1 shows that respondents
respondents selected IRIN as one of their perceived the news media they consume
top three sources for news and analysis to perform relatively well in offering
on humanitarian issues, this breaking news (37%) and

31
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 CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6

Most important
aspects of news
coverage of
Respondents who thought
their main sources of
humanitarian journalism
Respondents who thought
their main sources of
humanitarian journalism
WHAT
EFFECT
humanitarian issues were above average in was below average in
and crises (Top three) the following ways the following ways
Expert analysis 58% 31% 15%

DOES
Investigative reporting 54% 24% 21%
Consistent coverage 52% 25% 23%
of ongoing crises

CRITICAL
Impartial, neutral 52% 23% 16%
reporting
Voices and stories 43% 23% 18%
from the field
Solutions-oriented
coverage
Early warning
42%

42%
15%

22%
37%

29%
NEWS COVERAGE
OF THE AID SECTOR HAVE ON PUBL
coverage
Breaking news 31% 37% 9%

Table 5.1: The perceived importance and performance The Daily Mail
of different aspects of news coverage
effect reconsidered
Another commented that, ‘Data Fourth, solutions-oriented coverage was Finally, in general, there were mixed There is a growing concern within But how influential are critical and newspapers in particular, may not be
protection, sexual harassment of judged to be by far the worst performing views on the importance of voices and the aid sector that humanitarian newspaper campaigns? Do they really as important in shaping public opinion,
employees, sexual violence committed by aspect of the news. As one respondent stories from the field. Although 43% interventions may be, as Molly drive – or even accurately reflect – at least in the short term, as is often
UN/aid agency staff, and any other big put it, ‘there is little coverage of what selected this as one of the top three Anders (2018) has reported, public opinion on aid? The results of an assumed.
scoops on internal aid workings and works’. However, it is vital to note that most important aspects of ‘growing too malleable to media ongoing survey of public attitudes
performance. Bosses see and react to solutions-oriented coverage was also humanitarian news coverage, others whims’. Specifically, the concern is towards aid in the UK, France, Germany When asked what source of information
these news stories even if employees judged to be one of the least valued saw this as either somewhat irrelevant, or that aid donors and organisations and the US, suggest they do not. The Aid had the greatest influence over what they
have been shouting about them to no aspects of news coverage. Only 42% of actively detracting from the value are avoiding supporting certain Attitude Tracker (AAT), funded by the thought and felt about global poverty,
response for years.’ respondents selected this as one of the of news coverage. For example, one kinds of activities because they Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, only 8% of respondents mentioned
‘top respondent complained that there was, might draw negative media surveys 8,000 people in each country, newspapers
Third, there was also a discrepancy or news websites.
three’ most important aspects of ‘plenty of coverage about issues through attention. every six months since 2013 (see Clarke
between the perceived importance of
humanitarian news. Moreover, in a later personal stories but hardly any critical et al 2018).
consistent coverage of ongoing crises This has been coined ‘the Daily Mail Moreover, if public opinion was
question, when asked, ‘which themes do analysis of issues or policy’. This is
and the news media’s performance. effect’ because The Mail in particular The results do show that the Daily significantly affected by negative media
you find most useful’ (with no significant because there is a growing
Over half (52%) of respondents cited has a reputation for sustained attacks on Mail is the second most important campaigns, then we might expect
restrictions on the number of topics that consensus, at least within many
this as one of the ‘top 3’ most UK government aid spending. newspaper in the UK as a source of support for aid to decline or at least
could be selected) less than half of mainstream news organisations about the
important aspects of news coverage. In For example, in January 2017, UK information about international fluctuate over time. It did not.
respondents (47%) selected ‘success stories importance of including voices of
response to a later question, such government plans to extend funding to a development – behind only the The results showed no significant change
and best practices’. In summary, whilst affected communities (often instead of
coverage was also frequently cited as campaign for girls’ empowerment in Guardian. Daily Mail readers are also in UK respondents’ perceptions of the
respondents’ news sources NGO representatives) within news
being likely to have impact. One Ethiopia called Yegna were dropped after more likely than non-Mail readers to effectiveness or wastefulness
may not perform particularly well at coverage.
respondent described it as a ‘no- critical coverage of project in think that aid is ineffective, that it of government aid spending between
providing solutions-oriented coverage, it
brainer’ that the most impactful form Further details about the results the Daily Mail and the Telegraph. The “ends up in the pockets of corrupt 2013 and 2016. Even during the Daily
appears there may not be as much
of news was that which, ‘highlights of this survey are available in a Daily Mail described it as a “blood politicians in the developing world” Mail’s campaign in 2014 to encourage
demand for it as is often assumed.
crises that don’t [ordinarily] make report entitled,‘Attitudes towards boiling” waste of taxpayers’ money. This and that levels of aid spending should spending of the foreign aid budget on
the news… Congo Brazzaville, South Fifth, the results in Table 1 reinforce the media coverage of humanitarian constituted significant negative attention decrease. flood victims in the UK, there was no
Sudan, “niche” needs of certain point, made earlier, that the news issues within the aid sector’ (Scott as the Mail has more than 10 million discernible drop in support for aid from
print readers and more than 20 million However, this does not prove the any demographic, including
populations in crisis’. It is unfortunate, media are perceived to perform 2018).
influence of the Daily Mail over Mail readers.
therefore, that this was also one of the relatively poorly in providing an ‘early online. In short, the fear is that ‘looking
good’ can end up taking priority over attitudes towards aid. It could simply be
areas in which news coverage was warning’ function. However, as
that individuals who are more sceptical In fact, the percentage of UK respondents
perceived to perform least well. was the case for solutions-oriented ‘doing good’ (see Enghel and Noske-
towards aid spending are more likely to who claimed to be supportive of UK aid
coverage, this was also rated as one of the Turner 2018).
read the Daily Mail. actually increased slightly over time, as
least important aspects of news coverage
Indeed, a number of other results Figure 6.1 shows.
of humanitarian crises
suggest that the media in general,
and issues.

33
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CHAPTER 6
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