Communication and International Relations

One role that the mass media plays is of a forum in which modern nations can stage, and question, each others’ stance on complex social issues. While the United States sees itself as a leader and a role model in terms of values, foreign media helps to give us an important, and at times critical, perspective on social policies when satisfactory results are lacking. For instance, foreign media coverage of our government’s official sex education policy has received its share of criticism. The UK Guardian called the Bush Administration’s policy on sex education the “Bush ‘keep zipped up’ stance” and cited a survey showing that 23% of students given “abstinence-only” advice ignore that advice. In a similar case, it was reported that the Moscow City Government asked President Putin to halt foreign organizations that come to Russia to fight AIDS and HIV, citing that the programs “advocate pedophilia, prostitution and drug addiction among teenagers.” As our government deals with important social issues, it’s noteworthy to remember that our policies on these issues are publicized on a global level.

Media as an International Fundraiser

By Rubi Romero

On December 26, 2004 one of the worst natural disasters of this century occurred as a result of an Indian Ocean earthquake which prompted a tsunami that struck the countries of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. This disaster killed more than 180,000 people, left thousands of people injured and over one million more without a home. Immediately the international media helped to orchestrate public fundraising efforts to aid the victims of the tsunami. As a result, these efforts turned into the largest humanitarian response in history. For example, the UK Radio organized a charitable event lasting twelve hours and broadcast on 268 radio stations. Australia Unites organized a telethon that was telecast on the three commercial television networks by ABC Asia Pacific. In Albania, as a result of the media coverage, the Albanian Red Cross was able to raise money to make a monetary contribution. In New Zealand a media campaign about the government matching dollar for dollar of the amount pledged by its citizens raised funds to aid the tsunami victims. As a result of the international media collaboration the worldwide community donated more than $7 billon US dollars in humanitarian aid.

Red Cross workers unload emergency relief supplies at a refugee village on the earthquake and tsunami affected island of Gizo in the Solomon Islands. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)