The Absence of Western Media in the World: Examining News Coverage on the Wars in Afghanistan and in Ethiopia

Abstract

The mainstream media in the U.S, regardless of the platform, have severely deviated from reporting international news, and have mainly focused on the political divide within America. The election of Donald Trump, and the rise of the alt-right have brought forth an age of media that has moved away from covering foreign affairs, somewhat isolating the immigrant population in America from their families and friends abroad. In this essay, I will address the implications of pushing aside foreign politics, by using the recent example of the turmoil in Ethiopia, and the War in Afghanistan. I will also address the importance of relating public policy to the extent of journalism. The use of framing is also essential in explaining the approaches in reporting significant events. Historical context will also be provided in order to explain to readers the significance of By observing the conflicts within the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, I will demonstrate how the Western Media should attempt to broaden its coverage, and cover more conflicts within the global community.