Debased journalism in Rio de Janeiro

Brazilian news crews in Rio this week were not satisfied by entering a disaster zone where over 50 houses have been consumed by a 700 meter landslide and sticking microphones in victims' faces. Apparently standing in front of a man who can only stammer his horror at knowing his wife, children and mother have been buried alive under thousands of tons of debris as he points to where his house used to stand, was not enough for these diligent news reporters. No sirree bob! This morning they were at a cemetery, during the funeral of a woman and her two children to interview the woman's grieving sister. With a microphone under her nose the woman was asked to describe her 5 and 11-year-old niece and nephew who lay in child sized coffins just behind her. Yes that is news coverage at its best! Not a single member of the media thought of going to the Minister, Governor or even Mayor to ask why they had allowed houses to be built on a 50 year old landfill on the side of a steep hill; or even about the measures they intend to take in securing other houses in the neighborhood; or assistance to victim families; or inspection of other precariously built houses that risk the lives of occupants. Not a single government official was interviewed on the matter, but I got to see dead bodies pulled out of rubble, so I should be happy right?