Television Coverage Of Eathquake: Sharing The Viewers Perspective

Television Coverage Of Eathquake: Sharing The Viewers Perspective

Study Authored By

GUJARAT VIEWERS¿ FORUM
Minal Hazarika
Jahnvi Vyas
Ranchod Bhai
Sayra Khan
DELHI VIEWERS¿ FORUM
Estelle Desai
Madhu Prasad
CENTRE FOR ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH
Meeta Parti, Akhila Sivadas

One major objective of this study was to ascertain how viewers perceived the role of television media. Do they feel more confident that television can play a useful role in natural disasters? Did they at any point of time feel that media ethics were being compromised with and channels got caught in their own competitive battle and in this cross-fire the viewer mattered less and the specific coverage mattered more?  

Background
The earthquake of 26th January devastated many parts of Gujarat. People all over India were united by their concern for those who suffered the impact of the quake. At this time, everybody was glued to their TV sets wanting to know about all that had happened. People outside Gujarat felt closer to the tragedy through TV images and reports in the print media. But for the people of Gujarat perhaps it was the only source to know what was happening. Therefore, Ahmedabad Viewers¿ Forum conducted this audience feedback study to ascertain viewer response on the coverage of earthquake by television.

Objectives
This Audience Feedback study focussed on three objectives.

Firstly, we sought an assessment of the quality of coverage. Besides rating the coverage as good, not consistently good and disappointing we also sought an explanation as to why a particular rating was given. In the same category of questions, we also tried to assess whether the coverage was sensitive to the victims, realistic, balanced and finally honest and impartial.

The second objective was to gauge the impact of the coverage on the viewers. Besides assessing the impact on their anxiety level we also made an effort to examine whether any positive effects also emerged. Did it strengthen their coping abilities, were help-lines useful and did it generate the sense of hope that even a disaster of such magnitude can be overcome with the right kind of collective will and determination?

The third was to ascertain how viewers perceived the role of television media. Do they feel more confident that television can play a useful role in natural disasters? Did they at any point of time feel that media ethics were being compromised with and channels got caught in their own competitive battle and in this cross-fire the viewer mattered less and the specific coverage mattered more?