A call for responsible journalism

I am struck by helplessness as I read the story in the “Across the Globe” segment of the Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, edition of the Saipan Tribune entitled “Children of Bhopal victims bear toxic burden.” Time and time again stories by the Associated Press are reprinted in our local paper that tell us about unimaginable tragedies around the globe. This article recounts the horrific lethal gas leak from a Union Carbide plant 20 years ago that has crippled and killed thousands in Bhopal, India, mostly children. Like many industrial disasters, its affects are still present to this day as the residents of the area struggle to live with disabilities and sickness.

Yet with stories such as this one, never does there seem to be a solution for the reader—a way, no matter how small, people like us can help with the catastrophe we have just learned about. Why is this? Why would any journalist take the time and energy to research and write such stories without giving their readers some sort of hope and recourse, a way to reach out and give support? It makes no sense! For example, with this story, the names of people who run health clinics and self-help groups in Bhopal, India, are listed, but with no further details on how they (or larger charities that help them) can be contacted to send donations of money or supplies that may be in need. Or looking at the larger problem of industrial disasters, the article could have listed precautions people can take in their own country to try and insure such a tragedy is not repeated, no matter how small. Including such information gives readers a way to deal with the situation.

I realize the Saipan Tribune does not have any influence upon the content of the stories it reprints from the Associated Press. However, I challenge our newspaper to be more responsible in the stories that it chooses to reprint. Make it a policy to ask that such stories be accompanied by information on what readers can do to help. If no such information can or will be supplied by the Associated Press, the Saipan Tribune staff should take it upon themselves to research this information and include it with the story. I believe this is part of what is called “responsible journalism.” Without this link to assistance or action, such stories do little to enact positive changes for a better world.

Becky Bowers
Saipan