Analysis of Role of Media in Disaster Reporting (Case-Study 2005 Earthquake and Flood 2010)

Abstract

Media plays an important role in awareness raising and providing information to the general public. This role becomes crucial while reporting for disasters. Pakistan is a disaster prone country and we often saw disaster in the form of earthquake and floods etc. Media have the capacity to affect the government in prioritizing the issues related to disaster risk in to development component through expanded research and regular reports on natural hazards. In today?s modern era media play an important role of providing timely information to general public, because of its important role the Influence/impact of media on the public cannot be denied. But on the same side the role of media is critical as regards to follow a thorough code of conduct and to follow an ethical code of practice. This requirement increases manifold during reporting for any disaster. It has been observed that this important aspect of adhering the code of conduct has often neglected by the media. The race of providing early information is crucial but it is responsibility of media that true fact and figures be provided instead of creating panic. In depth interviews has been conducted from PEMRA, NDMA, and ERRA media officials for data collection and analysis. This research will analyze available code of conduct (if any) for the electronic media in Pakistan and will analyze the role of media during earthquake 2005 and floods 2010 through qualitative content analysis and will identify the weaknesses observed and any violation of code of conduct by the media. The research suggests the guidelines for media during disaster reporting. Key Words: Disaster reporting, Electronic media, Code of conduct.