Katrina Reporters "Lost It"

American Voices • human interest • natural disasters • news media • ISSUE 41•37 • Sep 19, 2005

American viewers witnessed reporters becoming unusually emotional on camera while reporting on Hurricane Katrina, raising questions about appropriate journalistic behavior. What do you think?

“Sheesh, you send somebody into the middle of the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, and the next thing you know, they're getting all emotional on you.”
Norton Hewit –
Consultant
“One thing's for sure: Anderson Cooper's raw emotion and courage in the face of great tragedy have truly earned him the nickname 'Coop.'”
Hannah Forrester –
Systems Analyst
“I don't believe reporters should be allowed to editorialize like that. It should be left up to me to decide whether or not what happened in New Orleans was sad.”
Arturo Sonorra –
Musician

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