Forgotten crises – underrepresented in the global media? | DW Global Media Forum | DW | 21.04.2016
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GMF

Forgotten crises – underrepresented in the global media?

Tuesday, June 14 / Room Addis Abeba I + II / 2.30 p.m.

The urgency to find a solution for the crisis in Syria is self-evident, as reflected by wide media coverage. Yet there are a number of other ongoing humanitarian crises which are not so widely reported in the media; and lack of information leads to lack of awareness in donor countries.

As a result, UN appeals remain underfunded, humanitarian need is not met with adequate financial assistance. Shortage of aid then only further aggravates the crises. To break through this cycle, the Federal Foreign Office's campaign “Vergessene humanitäre Krisen” (forgotten humanitarian crises) plans to activate public and media awareness in Germany.

Media coverage is of particular importance to raise awareness; increased interest leads to empathy, and empathy leads to action among the public and policy makers. Last but not least, international media coverage is also a sign to persons affected: We have not forgotten you, we care.

Points to be discussed during the panel session: Which media is covering forgotten crises and to what extent? How do editors decide what to print and air? Can media help to bring forgotten crises back to awareness? How can media organizations appease their readers while at the same time creating awareness to the protracted suffering of parts of the world's population?