NGOS AS NEWSMAKERS: THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Book Details

• Author: Matthew Powers

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 240

• Release Date: 11-06-2024

• ISBN: 9788131613771

About the Book

As traditional news outlets’ international coverage has dwindled, several prominent nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have stepped in to fill the gap, taking on many roles previously dominated by the media. NGOs such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Médecins Sans Frontières have begun deploying reporters to gather information, providing analysis, and assigning photographers and videographers to increase the visibility of their work. The rise of digital technologies and social media has also empowered NGOs to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.

But the question remains: How have these shifts in news creation affected traditional journalism practices, and are there any consequences to the blurring of lines between reporting and advocacy? In NGOs as Newsmakers, Matthew Powers delves into this growing role of NGOs in shaping international news. Drawing on a combination of interviews, observations, and content analysis, Powers charts the dramatic increase in NGO-driven news coverage, explores whether these efforts lead to greater media attention for their causes, and examines how digital technologies have influenced NGO publicity strategies.

Despite the new opportunities for NGOs to influence news, Powers argues that they are still constrained by traditional media norms. While these advocacy organizations can provide coverage of underreported areas, they remain dependent on mainstream media outlets and political elites, and are influenced by the expectations of donors, officials, and journalists. Powers offers a unique and in-depth analysis of NGOs' newsmaking efforts, exploring both the possibilities and the limitations they face in the shifting landscape of international journalism. This book provides critical insights into the intersections of journalism, advocacy, and the changing role of NGOs in shaping global narratives.