Some of our country’s best newspaper writing came in the aftermath surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. While harrowing and devastating, good journalists are able to comb through the details and present the information in an understanding yet logical tone. With the war in Iraq and Hurricane Katrina in our nation’s focus over the past few years, journalists have the opportunity to be the gatekeeper for the public and detail the information to them by using anecdotes and new and refreshing angles to the stories.
What follows is some of the best reporting from war and disasters.
In 2006, Nicholas D. Kristof of The New York Times went outside our country’s borders to write commentary on the genocide in Darfur. In large part, Americans know that there were genocidal issues in Darfur, but not specific details. For 11 months, Kristof was able to write ten articles about the genocidal issues in Darfur, while doing his best to present the information in an emotional, yet understanding manner. His work went into simplifying a difficult concept for people who are not associated with it to understand.
http://www.pulitzer.org/citation/2006-Commentary
While the 2001 terrorist attacks are still fresh in the minds of many Americans, typically the initial focus of most Americans is domestic, and the terrorism threat in the United States. Thomas Friedman of The New York Times began writing articles on September 13, 2001 about the impact of terrorism across the world, and the perceived stronghold it has on our society. It helps address and clarify terrorism around the world, and the impact it will have in the future.
http://www.pulitzer.org/citation/2002-Commentary
A hallmark of good journalists is to bring light to issues that the general public many know little, if nothing, about. Such was the case for Alan Miller and Kevin Sack of The Los Angeles Times in their investigative reporting of a military aircraft that was linked to 45 pilots over time. Definitely a disaster, these two journalists were able to write seven pieces in a three-day stretch debunking myths surrounding this military aircraft, and helping bring the truth of why it was linked to so many deaths to light.
http://www.pulitzer.org/citation/2003-National-Reporting
As mentioned before, there were many different angles and issues to bring to light after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The staff of The Washington Post discussed the war on terrorism from more of a domestic stance. The staff helped critique and bring together information discussing America’s response to terrorism for the public to consume.
http://www.pulitzer.org/citation/2002-National-Reporting
Another example of a journalist unpacking information that is not easily understood dealt with Russia’s struggle to cope with terrorism and make democracy work in its society. Kim Murphy of The Los Angeles Times reports information that is largely unknown to the general public, as well as Russia’s issues with President Vladimir V. Putin, and how it has affected Russia’s society.