Coverage of the Rio Grande do Sul floods has become the main highlight on TV in 2024
From the comfort of air-conditioned studios to small boats floating in dirty floodwaters. News anchors took off their civilian clothes, put on life jackets and went to meet the victims of torrential rains in Rio Grande do Sul.
At Globo, William Bonner, wearing a T-shirt, spent days circulating through the flooded cities. It demonstrated that journalism becomes more humanized – and true to reality – when you look into the eyes of those interviewed at the epicenter of the facts.
He and a journalist from affiliate RBS were harassed with chants of “Globo rubbish” and accusations of exploiting the tragedy for the public. Would it be better for the country’s most influential channel to ignore the catastrophe or deal with the bureaucratic cover-up?
It was precisely the precious visibility that television gave to the climate disaster that strengthened the solidarity of thousands of Brazilians and pushed authorities in all areas to act.
Attempts to denigrate the press reflect political radicalization and ideological manipulation of the population. It is up to the broadcasters, by concession of the State, not to bow to pressure and to counter fake news. Therefore, journalism strengthens its credibility and contributes to society.
Among the weak points of television journalism in 2024, the coverage of the war duel between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict involving Israel and the Hamas and Hezbollah groups. Brazil has already had some of the best war reporters in action. Today, most correspondents report on the daily fighting remotely.
The decision of the broadcasters’ leaders not to put the lives of journalists at risk and the possibility of saving money by using material from international agencies and freelancers is understandable. But this feature impoverishes the coverage. Nothing compares to the storytelling of an experienced reporter in the field, witnessing the news as it happens.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
