In today’s highly fragmented media environment, the vast majority of people get their news daily from a variety of sources. This news is often presented in the form of television and radio broadcasts, newspaper articles or online news websites. Regardless of the medium, mass media plays a vital role in disseminating information about emerging topics and has the potential to shape individual perceptions and attitudes, particularly in times of crisis.
Breaking news coverage is a form of media content that reports on current events as they happen. This can include events such as natural disasters, political upheavals, accidents or public incidents. Effective breaking news coverage includes a mix of factual reporting and contextualization for audience understanding. It also involves leveraging social media channels to distribute real-time updates.
During live reporting of breaking news events, journalists must be able to quickly verify facts and provide accurate updates in real time. They must also manage safety concerns and maintain professionalism in chaotic environments. In addition, they must balance the needs for accuracy with the urgency of sharing information with audiences.
The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors that influence the public’s perceptions of the usage of mass media news regarding natural disasters and environmental issues. Drawing on the cultivation theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study aims to examine how these perceptions influence individual’s attitudes and altruistic behaviors. This study will use both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the relationship between the variables.