The disaster of Salgar in Teleantioquia Noticias: media narratives, institutional strokes and recognition strategies for audiences

Abstract

This work makes an analysis of the treatment that the newscast Teleantioquia Noticias gave to the flash flow that seriously affected the municipality of Salgar (Colombia), in May 2015. Based on a sample of emissions and exogenous information, an approximation is made to the conditions of production and the media convergence proposed by the newscast. Elements of semio-discursive analysis are used to understand the narrative background of this catastrophe covering. It is observed that the regional government strongly marks the newscast agenda in this event. Media narratives appeal to various forms of audience recognition, especially the invitation to “digital cooperation”. The newscast proposes hooks to the recipients much more focused on the disaster consequences than on its causes. This shows limitations and relevant opportunities for disaster risk management communication.