Why Media Need to Pay More Attention to "Missing Abroad" Cases
Jeff Dunsavage
Senior Research Analyst @ Insurance Information Institute | Risk and Insurance Analysis
As an advocate for families whose loved ones disappear or are murdered outside their national borders, I struggle to get media to give these stories the attention they deserve. So, I found it very interesting to note that, just as a NatGeo series looking into the disappearance of Alaska resident Cody Dial in Costa Rica prepared to air, human remains believed to be those of Mr. Dial -- missing for 2 years -- were suddenly discovered.
Authorities deny any connection between the investigative series and their sudden interest and delivery of results, but I take this to be pretty clear evidence that media attention to these cases can make a difference. We need more media organizations to get involved in these and other travel-safety/-security stories.
Protect Students Abroad Cofounder
8 年At ProtectStudentsAbroad we deal with health & safety issues related to study abroad. There is NO transparency requirement for the study abroad industry, so not surprising they do everything to keep travel-gone-wrong stories quiet. Limited reporting--1-2 days of superficial stories, and almost never an independent investigation. It is always terrible to lose a child. But to lose a child far from home and never know what happened or why, well,
Co-founder at Protect Students Abroad; Student Safety Advocate; Mom On A Mission (M.O.M.)
8 年I agree with you Jeff, it is the same for students studying abroad --- getting these stories told is difficult
Senior Research Analyst @ Insurance Information Institute | Risk and Insurance Analysis
8 年Epilogue: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2016/12/19/missing-adventurer-cody-roman-dial-killed-by-fallen-tree-in-costa-rica-father-says/
Financial Services Marketing Professional at KPMG US
8 年Incredible, the power of the media. Incredible, the danger the media often inflicts by falling short (often far short) of expectations.
Founder of VeriThai Investigations Co., Ltd. - specialists in Thailand due diligence and commercial investigations.
8 年I have my doubts. Already too many mispers families waste valuable time – especially in the golden hours – trying to get media buy-in instead of immediately going to a professional investigator. For long-term mispers however the media is likely the only recourse.