As humanitarian settings become increasingly complex and conflicts more protracted, there is growing demand for clear, well-researched and thoroughly contextualized journalism on humanitarian issues. However, little empirical research is focused on the production of humanitarian news and there are very few studies exploring how such content influences audiences and international policymakers.
Humanitarian news is broadly defined as factual reporting about crises and issues that impact human welfare. It encompasses both traditional journalistic reporting and advocacy journalism that aims to improve humanitarian outcomes. While there is considerable overlap between these two approaches, much of the existing research on humanitarian news focuses on the content of international reporting about humanitarian crises and a lack of understanding about how such reporting impacts audience and donor decision-making.
This article explores the complexities of humanitarian journalism and the role of new technologies in this rapidly developing field. It also discusses the need for a more holistic, rights-based approach to media-making and the implications of the growing commercialization of humanitarian news.
The conflict in Sudan continues to deteriorate as civilians continue to be attacked and the country’s health system collapses. Millions in need are at heightened risk of life-threatening food insecurity, and the humanitarian community is struggling to reach them despite increased funding.
In 2023, Sudan topped the IRC’s Emergency Watchlist for a second consecutive year as the crisis in the country worsened. With access severely restricted by violence, millions of people are struggling to survive. The health system is overwhelmed and hospitals in conflict zones are non-functional, unable to meet critical needs including maternal, neonatal, mental and reproductive health care.