Nuclear Crisis and Fears of Exposure: Reflecting on Journalism

No one can watch, read or listen to the crisis in Japan without feeling some emotion about what the people there are going through. The stories come halfway across the world to us through dedicated journalists. As I have been following the story, the thought came to me: what risks are journalists taking in traveling to Japan to tell its story? Apparently I am not the only one asking.

Much of journalism is thinking logically and asking questions critically. I think this is something that Doualy Xaykaothao does well in this story.  Much of the reporting has been on those living in the area that were affected, but fewer stories have covered those who have stayed to help (doctors, nurses, etc). I think Xaykaothao does a good job of telling this story from a different yet important angle. She describes her story very well. She expresses feelings while still giving the numbers. I enjoy this story because she makes it human and provokes thought about not just the victims of the disaster in Japan, but also those who were not affected yet might be because they chose to help.

 Listen to the story for yourself; just click on the play button.