How is it that the media can get into Haiti and help cannot?

[jasi2006]

I have seen pitures from some of the most devastated parts of Haiti and specia reports from roving reporters. How is is it that they can get into these areas and aid cannot? And why don't he media carry at least some medical aid and some packaged food like protein bars etc.? I don't get it.

[tekisui]

1. The media has big bucks to get the cameras in.

That doesn't mean they will bring aid in with them or instead of them.

A one man camera crew can make it into places a mobile hospital cannot.

[msongs]

2. they do carry that stuff.....for themselves nt

[tabatha]

3. If they helped more than they media'd it would be better for the victims.

[riderinthestorm]

4. Because they are one or two people who don't have major supplies with them

If you are a part of an MSF team you are going to have many people, surgical supplies, tents, water etc.... That's a big operation going in. The "media" if you actually take a moment, are few in number who are roaming with a small crew. Chances are they were motored up to a nearby beach where that one or two person team could wade ashore (not possible if you are part of an enormous surgical task force which would require a port or airport runway to get them and their gear there).

You can also hike in from the Dominican Republic. The road system has been destroyed but reporters can (and are) just walking the 15 hours or so across the border. Again if you are hauling a lot of gear that's impossible but not if you are solo. The infrastructure of Haiti has been destroyed so "large" westernized gear can't navigate or land or get in. But as in most rural areas, intrepid determined singles or doubles can get through.

That's the rationale I've heard explained by the reporters. Perhaps others have heard differing accts?

[OhioBlue]

5. I've thought about that myself

and my thoughts on it are that the media teams that go in are small and mobile, well funded and not as dependent on infrastructure and don't have all the logistical things to figure out... but... I am so glad they are there. Without them revealing the devastation and telling the stories, people wouldn't feel as motivated to help. If we don't really know what is going on, we aren't gonna text a donation, non-profits aren't as likely to give it as much focus and priority, etc. they (the media) are a necessary link, a productive and beneficial one. Each separate faction that is there does provide necessary aid in its own way. A search and rescue team is just that - search and rescue. they are not there to perform life-saving surgery. A surgical team is there to do that and they don't perform search and rescue,nor do the figure out the logistics of water and food distribution. each has its place and the media that is there bears witness and tells the story - they have to, it is their necessary function.