After 7.4-the magnitude earthquake happened in New Zealand, both Australian and Chinese give high level of media exposure these days. Chinese media seems report the news by normal proceedings, focusing more about the death (actually no death this time), severe injuries, survivors, damaged buildings and rescuing and rebuilding issues. Also they care about the attitudes from the local government, civil social organisations and the public. In particular, Chinese media pay more attentions to the non-death miracle this time, as China also experienced several big earthquakes these years. Most of the articles are discussing about the comparisons with the handling approaches between New Zealand related departments and Chinese ones.
However, from the opinions of the Australian media, they treats this issue for some other purposes. The media care more about the issues such as whether it would impact greater on Australian stakeholders, and how it will influence the natural factors in Australia. Like the Sydney Morning Herald said, it focus on whether "NZ quake set" will "shake Australia insurers". The Australian's headline appears more closed relationship by saying that "It wasn't meant to happen here". On the one hand, it is the geographic position determines that Australian citizen would be more likely to know the details about the impacts on them, rather them simply listing the disaster information. On the other hands, as these two countries have the similar cultural and economic environment, the Australian can borrow some ideas of the disaster relevant handling issues from the New Zealanders.
The media's spotlights change because of the different interests, not only from the state but also from the individuals and business companies. A series of issues may happen after the initial earthquake in New Zealand, which raises the Australian seismologist's attention as well. Similarly, like the news from Sydney Morning Herald, the journalist compares the last "Newcastle earthquake in 1989" which still ranks as the most expensive insurance event with the New Zealand one. Each media will find their own emphasis by compare with the similar cases from different aspects.
Related links:
http://www.smh.com.au/business/nz-quake-set-to-shake-australia-insurers-20100905-14vzj.html
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2010-09/05/content_20864785.htm
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7129970.html
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7128991.html
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7129000.html
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2010-09/04/content_20862032.htm
http://www.smh.com.au/world/emergency-extended-amid-aftershocks-20100906-14xz3.html?autostart=1
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/it-wasnt-meant-to-happen-here/story-e6frg6nf-1225915033861
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/quake-city-facing-decade-long-rebuild/story-e6frg6so-1225915021009
I agree that proximity decides news and your analysis demonstrate that.
ReplyDeletepolitical and social situation and development will determine the interest and angle for a media organisation to keep its point of objectivity
It's a good blog to compare something in different aspects around " New Zealand earthquake". For some specific interest in different countries, people focus on different angles to think of the accident. For Chinese, mostly people thought it was a miracle because of " Zero death" in the New Zealand earthquake. This reminds me that Sichun earthquake two years ago, millions of people died.
ReplyDeleteI agreed that proximity decides different angles for media organisations in order to keep its objectivity and reader's interest.