Module 9 Discussion – Saga of the Sago Snafu
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Review the following:
Miscommunication Followed Tragedy (Links to an external
site.) by the Associated Press
‘Sound of moans’ led rescuers to surviving miner (Links to
an external site.) by CNN
Dead WV miners reported alive – WABC-TV Jan 4, 2006 11pm
(Links to an external site.)
undefined
(00:03:08)
Source: YouTube Repeater
OutrageVideo.jpg
Sustained Outrage
(00:08:03)
Source: PBS Exposé
The miscommunication surrounding the 2006 Sago mine disaster
in West Virginia illustrates how even the most reputable news sources can
generate erroneous, misleading information. On January 4, 2006, Americans
awakened to read in their morning papers that the trapped miners were found
alive. This was reported by major news services. Yet when Americans turned on
their television sets that same morning to watch the early news, the report was
altogether different. Only one miner made it out alive.
What caused the miscommunication? The media is subject to
deadlines, and the initial report of a successful recovery ironically hit at
the same time editors were putting their news to bed. Yet less than an hour
later, the grim facts were confirmed; unfortunately the presses were already
rolling.
What might have authorities at the scene done to avoid such
a miscommunication and better control the release of information?
Post your response in this discussion. Be sure to return to
the forum later this week, read the viewpoints of your classmates and comment
on their statements.
