Newspapers across Australia are demonstrating today the important role they play through thoughtful coverage of the Victorian bushfire disaster. While online outlets have more immediate news, The Age and the Herald Sun provide a level of analysis of the events which showcases the difference of the medium.
I was at the airport today and saw someone checking a news website on their laptop, the person next to them using their iPhone (not sure what for) and a third person reading the Herald Sun. Maybe I am biased but I suspect the newspaper reader will have a better perspective of the event thanks to the analysis and scope of coverage so easily through print as opposed to other mediums.
unfortunately there are many people who are more interested in the monopoly promotion from the herald sun than the bushfires affecting us.
shows what a state we’re in when we care more for material possesions than the lives of others.
Aaron – I hope it is just your area that is doing that.
As at 10am this morning the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund launched by the Red Cross and Victorian & Federal Governments had received $15.1m from just over 88,000 donations.
The generosity of almost all Australians is shining through.
I’m on the Gold Coast and we’ve been sold out real early the last two days of all papers, people are really concerned up here for both the flood and fire victims.
I’ve had a lot of people say today that if they won the 40M, they would donate a few million immediately to help out.
http://mapvisage.appspot.com/fires/FireMap.html
Map of the fires affecting victoria.
-Niall, it’s probably just a few people who are more concerned about the monopoly promotion, but it is those few who really leave a mark. I, like many others, have friends and relatives who have lost something to the fires, and it is frustrating when the first thing people ask or comment about is the stupid monopoly in the promotion.
but it is true that australians are one of the most generous in the world, just look back to the asian tsunami.
Encouraged yesterday via a customer in regards to the Victorian bushfires.
He was emotional and indicated he is going to donate the entire $850 he will receive from the Fed Govt stimulus when approved to the proper receivers of donations. Again reaffirmed this morning and is now taking pledges from myself and all who he comes in contact with.
We all are Australians and in these times we are all Victorians & Queenslanders.
I find your blog really interesting. I must disagree with your point above though. I buy the paper maybe once a week now since I got my iphone. The only reason for having the paper at all was for public transport and as I only travel short distances I only read news online. I’m just waiting for them to put the full paper up as I’m sure I’m missing something. I have recently however begun buying more magazines, things like the Atlantic or the Monthly. In fact the only time I’d buy a paper now would be when I’m getting on a plane.