By Nalaka Gunawardene

In many disaster and conflict hot spots of the world, journalists and relief aid providers work closely together. There are times when journalists play Good Samaritan and aid workers dabble as reporters. In the difficult field conditions of emergencies, this is understood and accepted. But should journalists become 'embedded' in humanitarian operations? If so, how impartial or independent would their coverage be?

The issue came up several times during the 'Global Symposium+5 on Information for Humanitarian Action' in Geneva on Oct. 22 to 26 in Geneva, Switzerland.

UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations increasingly recognise the power of media, especially broadcast television, to raise public awareness on emergencies. This, in turn, influences political commitments, aid donations and relief operations themselves.

But how close can the media get to aid agencies before they lose their sense of perspective and independent analysis? If journalists becoming embedded with the military in conflicts is frowned upon, what about media's de facto embedding with humanitarian missions?

There was no consensus on the issue, but a few of us stressed on the need for independent media — independent governments, aid agencies and other vested interests — to take stock of crisis situations and report and reflect on their findings.

Read the complete entry here: http://movingimages.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/embedded-or-aloof-medias-choice-in-covering-emergencies/.