In a recent press release by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in listing the top ten most underreported humanitarian stories of 2007, one paragraph was, to us, of great importance:

"Certainly, many members of the press go to great lengths to report on what is taking place in conflict zones around the world," said Nicolas de Torrenté, executive director of MSF-USA. "But millions of people trapped in war, forced from their homes, and lacking the most basic medical care, do not receive attention commensurate with their plight."

The "Top Ten" list was created in 1998 when famine in southern Sudan was categorically underreported in the U.S. media, knowing that "the magnitude and severity of crises that are not always reflected in media accounts." As the MSF stated, "Often, media attention is critical for generating and improving responses."

We warmly agree, and this is indeed the very issue that The Humanitarian Media Foundation (HMF) seeks to address.

The mission of the HMF, upon its launch in March 2008, seeks to tap into the power of the media—film, both documentary and narrative; art and music; print, web, television, and photojournalism—and extend their influence more broadly, so that humanitarian issues are not just covered in brief articles, commercials, profiles, or soundbytes, but can be explored and given context, so that their importance is more widely known. With greater knowledge, more people in positions of authority and influence can then also be drawn in to be part of the dialogue, so that such issues are not just lamented, but perhaps some constructive and creative answers can be illuminated among those with the greatest capacity to make a difference.

To this end, the HMF will be enlisting the support and partnership of news agencies, journalists, filmmakers, writers, artists, international NGO's, figures in international policy, and international philanthropy--among others--to bring attention to areas of humanitarian importance and to act as a conduit among them, so that collaborations and exchanges of ideas might more easily take place.

We will also be hosting the 2008 HMF International Film/Media Festival & Conference in New York City in December 2008 to better bring these parties together. We would warmly welcome your involvement.

For further information on The Humanitarian Media Foundation (HMF), including in terms of partnerships among organizations, please contact us at pr@humanitarianmedia.org, or visit us via our web presences as listed below.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/repansedeschoye

HMF/RdS Blog: http://www.repansedeschoye.blogspot.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/HumanitarianMedia

For corporate sponsorships, including of the 2008 HMF International Film/Media Festival & Conference, please visit us at the Donations/Sponsorships page, or please feel free to contact us at sponsorships@humanitarianmedia.org should you need further information or have any questions.

I warmly hope this finds you well, and here is to an extraordinary New Year for all of us who believe in fostering the best in humanity.

With warmest regards,

K.J. Wetherholt

Co-Founder / Board Chairman

The Humanitarian Media Foundation (HMF)

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