Neowster.com

In view of the recent tragic events in Myanmar and China, it showcases how powerful the traditional broadcast media is, and how it can shape your interpretion of events.

Reports on the events in Myanmar have focused largely on the plight of the homeless who were displaced by the cyclones, and how the ruling government have not been forthcoming in the relief efforts. Personally, I have not seen any clips or pictures showing any form of “rescue” of victims. Does that means that there isn’t a search and rescue effort ongoing?

On the other hand, reports of the devastating earthquake in China’s Sichuan province have focused on the rescue and relief efforts, and the presence of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on site within hours of the disaster emphasis the governments commitment to relief efforts. More importantly, the media release on the rescue effort have focused almost exclusively on the rescue of children from school wreckage by the specialize search and rescue team. What about the people in the smaller provinces?

I am sure if you’ve been following these events, the picture painted in your mind will be somewhat similar to what I mentioned above. However as of now, both countries have still not allowed foreign aids into the country. Neither of them have release statements as to how the people can be caught totally off guard, with no form of alert system, and on hindsight, the structural stability of the affected buildings. So how did our interpretion of these two events differ so greatly? Both are communist country, however one painted the picture of a rogue leadership, while the other portrays the resilience and resolute of the people.

My objective is to let you be aware on the power of the media, but more importantly, increase your self-awareness in this world of information overload. What I can be sure of is when the dust settles, the country which manages the media best will emerge much stronger.