I used to live a few miles from Washington, IL where a large tornado hit last November. I have friends who live in that town. News reports warned the residents of the impending weather. Luckily only one person died. It could have been much worse. Residents relied on the news for information about Red Cross shelters, curfews that were set in place and places that were offering food, shelter and clothing for those who lost everything.
Thanks to the news, several members of the Chicago Bears came to offer their muscle and money to help those in need. Thanks to the news, people from Moore, OK (another town devastated by tornadoes) offered their help to the residents of Washington. Thanks to the news, lives were saved and life was made just a little bit easier for those living a nightmare.
I guess some people would rather hear about their favorite celebrity gossip when they watch the news, but reporting on a tornado is an important event and news worthy. It’s a valuable tool for everyone involved before, during and after the event.