Best practice, worst practice - rethinking disaster coverage in the wake of the Asian tsunami

Abstract

The Indian Ocean tsunami on 26 December 2004 was a disaster on a scale rarely seen. The world witnessed the unfolding drama in Asia and Africa through the work of journalists, photographers and other media professionals. But the images of mayhem and destruction were only one part of an incredibly complex event. And what impact did media professionals have on the relief operations that were launched in the wake of the disaster? Scott Downman explores the issues.