May 24

Past Event

Reporting Crises - How the Media, Relief Agencies and the Government Determine Humanitarian Response

Event Materials

Summary

The purpose of this series is to analyze trends in media coverage of world-wide humanitarian crises and the impact this coverage has on government policies, relief operations, and ultimately on the victims of the crises. This analysis is intended to lead to practical solutions for improving both working relationships among responders and the response itself to international crises -- arriving at a common understanding which can help all parties find common cause in responding to crises. The series will review the roles that NGOs, media, the U.N. and the government play in putting issues on the international agenda and how their work impacts on the collective response – and on each other. These seminars will stimulate a dialogue among veteran, experienced participants on the challenges that journalists, relief agencies and governments face in responding to emergencies. This series will continue throughout the year and draw from ideas brought forward by the participants in shaping the issues and concepts to be addressed.

Download Synthesis Report

Details

May 24, 2007

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EDT

The Brookings Institution

Saul/Zilkha

1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW

Map

For More Information

Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement

(202) 797-6168

Event Agenda

  • Introduction

  • Panel 1: Challenges Confronting Journalists & Media Organizations

    • Donatella Lorch

      Reporter, NBC and Newsweek

      Former New York Times Africa Bureau Chief

    • Ken Bacon

      President, Refugees International

    • Randy Martin

      Director of Global Emergency Operations, Mercy Corps

    • Tom Gjelton

      Foreign Affairs and National Security Correspondent, NPR

  • Panel 2: The Role of Communications in Responding to Humanitarian Crises

    • Dr. Christopher Hanson

      Associate Professor, University of Maryland School of Journalism

    • RADM Frank Thorp

      USN, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Joint Communication)

    • Jennifer Parmalee

      Spokesperson, World Food Programme

    • John Norris

      U.N. Mission, Nepal

    • Rena Pederson

      Senior Advisor, Office of the Under-Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy