The Western media need to improve their coverage of crises outside the West. Compared to conflicts like those in Gaza and Ukraine, other international crises often receive far less attention, despite their severe consequences.
The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine dominate headlines, while other global crises are often overlooked. According to Google News, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza receives an average of 1,500 news articles per month, and the war in Ukraine gets about 1,200 articles monthly. In comparison, crises in less developed regions attract only around 20 articles per month.
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Several factors explain why the Israeli-Palestinian and Ukrainian conflicts receive far more media attention. This includes proximity to major media hubs, historical significance, media bias, and limited resources all play a role in determining which conflicts dominate the news.
Firstly, proximity to major media centres is a key factor in coverage. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Ukraine are geographically closer to major media hubs, making it easier for journalists to report. This proximity allows for quicker access to information and more efficient reporting. By contrast, conflicts in more remote regions often fail to attract attention due to the logistical difficulties journalists face in accessing these areas.
Another significant factor is historical context. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a long and complex history, dating back to the early 20th century, which has fostered a sense of global familiarity and emotional investment. The conflict’s involvement in international politics, with various countries taking sides, further elevates its global importance, ensuring continued media focus.
Some critics argue that media bias also influences which conflicts are covered. It is suggested that conflicts aligned with Western interests, such as the Israeli-Palestinian dispute and the war in Ukraine, receive more attention. The former is seen as a conflict between Israel and its Western allies, while the latter is framed as a confrontation between Western-backed Ukraine and Russia, a nation viewed as an adversary by many Western countries.
Finally, the challenges of reporting from less developed regions, often with limited resources and infrastructure, also contribute to the lack of coverage. These areas frequently lack basic necessities such as reliable transportation, communication networks, and access to information, which makes it difficult for journalists to gather and transmit reports. In contrast, both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Ukraine benefit from better-established infrastructure, facilitating easier and more frequent reporting.
While these factors do not necessarily imply that one conflict is more important than another, they do contribute to the disparity in media coverage. The lack of coverage of other crises can be attributed to geographical proximity, historical context, media bias, and resource limitations. However, every life lost or affected by conflict deserves recognition. By amplifying the voices of those affected by under-reported conflicts, we can raise awareness and work towards more peaceful resolutions.
Media outlets must prioritise under-reported conflicts, promoting a more nuanced understanding of global issues and contributing to a more just and peaceful world.
