Media Coverage of Poverty on the Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast poverty coverage down, By Sarah Chacko, August 11, 2009, Baton Rouge Advocate: “Despite the ongoing effects of poverty in the Gulf Coast after two storms in 2005, media coverage of the issue has significantly decreased, according to a recently released Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation study. The study points to a drop in the number of stories after hurricanes Katrina and Rita that relate to the struggles of residents living in poverty in the area. Two LSU mass communication professors said they are not surprised by the report’s conclusions. The study raises questions about what would qualify as sufficient coverage; if the stories that are covered have significant impact; and what difference more coverage may have made in the recovery process, they said…”