Regular readers of this website do not need to be told that evidence is important. It is essential in shaping both our understanding of the world and how best to tackle its inequalities and crises. But evidence and recommendations alone are not enough – because policymakers are far more responsive to the stories that politicians, aid agencies, and media organisations choose to amplify.

This has important implications for the way in which researchers communicate and use evidence and how others, especially the media, tell stories.

For decades, aid organisations have grappled with the ethics of how assistance is delivered—yet far less attention has been paid to the narratives that shape how crises are understood in the first place. In this thoughtful reflection for The New Humanitarian, Patrick Gathara sheds light on a profound tension at the heart of humanitarian action and reporting. It points out that international news reporting of crises tends to mirror many of the problems associated with the aid system, from white saviour tropes to the erasure of local perspectives. While some humanitarian journalists and NGOs have experimented with more ethical, mission-oriented storytelling, these efforts remain fragmented and disconnected.

This realisation demands an uncomfortable reckoning for journalists. At the heart of the debate lies the question: If entrenched narratives are part of what sustains a failing humanitarian system, do journalists have an ethical responsibility to help change them?

This is not an argument for abandoning independence or critical distance. Attempts to tie the press too closely to humanitarian action risks compromising the media’s ability to hold the sector accountable. Media organisations like The New Humanitarian are experimenting with ways to be part of the solution without sacrificing scrutiny. This ranges from podcasts rethinking international solidarity, to partnerships aimed at fostering more accurate, human-centred coverage.

Ultimately, Gathara’s piece suggests that meaningful reform requires not just rethinking how aid is delivered, but also how it is narrated. If we accept that the stories we tell help maintain the status quo, then journalists and humanitarians alike must ask whether they are willing to collaborate to build something that truly helps people.

This blog will resonate with anyone who cares about decolonising aid, fostering local agency, and the role of the media in holding the system accountable. 

The New Humanitarian puts quality, independent journalism at the service of the millions of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world. Find out more at www.thenewhumanitarian.org.