Edited by Izard and Perkins, both professors of communication at Louisiana State University, this volume contains highly readable descriptions of academic research conducted on the media
coverage of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It contains interesting points, such as noting the lack of media focus on the fact that 90% of New Orleans residents had been evacuated before Hurricane
Katrina hit, and how the stories that recieved the most attention through broadcasts were often unverifiable or proven wrong by local reporters on the ground. Since some journalists were also
victims of the tragedies, the well established principle of neutrality eroded into more personal and direct expression, as well as more questioning of official reports. The book reports how
this was welcomed by readers, many of whom were outraged at the ineffective government response. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
