Oz TV Reviews
Australian television programme reviews
The Queensland Flood Disaster
First of all I would like to say that I have every sympathy for the victims of the Queensland floods and I believe everyone that can should donate, or offer any assistance that they are able to to the victims. This is a link to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal. I believe this would be the best place to donate to avoid any scam collectors that may show up http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html Please make a donation if you are able to.
Now the reason I am writing on this site about the disaster is because I have a very uncomfortable feeling about the television coverage of the events. I get the nasty feeling that there are reporters and news editors in television companies around the country rubbing their hands together saying “what a great story” and are happy to have something to fill their air time.
Of course the public want to know what is happening and news of the safety of friends and relatives in the region. But I feel the TV companies go too far and Channel 9 seems to be the main culprit with this disaster. We do not need specials that last for several hours multiple times during the week and we certainly do not need montages of the dramatic scenes backed with sad music. We know this is a disaster and we know this is reality, we do not need TV directors telling us how to feel.
This is not the first time TV has taken advantage of disasters, natural or otherwise, it was the same for the Victorian bush fires, the Asian Tsunami and the 911 Bombings. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth and a feeling that there are many ghoulish characters in TV news rooms just waiting for this type of event.
Once again if you are able to help the flood victims in any way, please go to the Queensland government site, where there are instructions for donating goods and services, as well as money http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html
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