A Better East Texas: Ukraine war deserves unity from media coverage

EAST TEXAS (KLTV/KTRE) - The war in Ukraine may go down as the most videoed conflict ever thanks to social media and the preservation of the communications systems in Ukraine. But another contributor is the representation of international media dug in in Ukraine as well, often bringing front line reports.

Sadly, several journalists have been either injured or killed as result of trying to do their job. Now, it needs to be said that these journalists – from across the world – are there because they signed up for those assignments. It is also safe to say that they signed up for those assignments because of their commitment to their craft as they are driven to be the eyes and ears of their content consumers. And as consumers, we can’t get enough information daily from Ukraine. The conflict is determining much of America’s daily conversation.

On the other side of the coin is the Russian media, or what’s left of it. Putin has cut off social media, while television stations and other outlets have been shuddered. The exception being the state-run television group that is and always has been a mouthpiece for Putin. As a result, most Russian citizens are in the dark.

So, while it is easy these days to criticize U-S national media outlets, most are in Ukraine trying to get the word out from there – risking personal safety – while Russia absolutely controls their media messaging. Perhaps there could be a pause from the critical barrage directed towards some outlets in our country so we can appreciate the humanity of this tragedy.

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