Africa: What's Journalism Worth in Disasters and Emergencies? a Lot, Says a New UN Report

What the report says

A new UNESCO report says journalism can be a life-saving force during disasters, conflicts and public health emergencies. The report, released Tuesday and highlighted by UN News, argues that free and trusted media help people get accurate information, push authorities to respond, and reduce the harm caused by rumours and disinformation. It also says stronger press freedom is linked, across research in 152 countries, with lower risks of conflict, repression and human rights abuses.

The report, titled *The value of journalism: Global evidence on why media matters to economies, national security and crises*, collects examples showing how reporting can improve outcomes in emergencies. Among the cases cited are disaster coverage that prompted additional aid, radio programmes that helped parents seek treatment for sick children in Burkina Faso, and reporting that supported earthquake preparedness in California. The report also points to journalism’s role in countering COVID-19 misinformation and helping communities access safety information after major disasters.

UN News said the findings suggest journalism can do more than inform: it can help direct aid, strengthen accountability and reduce preventable harm. The report also notes that investigations have led to environmental enforcement and aid-sector reforms. In general background terms, UNESCO has long promoted media literacy and press freedom as part of broader efforts to support resilient public information systems, especially in crises.