FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina: A media analysis

This research investigated the media coverage of FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina through an analysis of newspaper articles collected the first 5 days following the hurricane. The study explored the timeliness of relief efforts by FEMA in regard to what was and what was not provided to victims of the hurricane in the first five days following the disaster.; The study warranted a quantitative research method design using a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The sample included 73 newspaper articles collected through out the United States and Canada. The majority of the articles were collected from the Southern region of the United States.; Results showed a lack of services reported to have been provided by FEMA in the first 5 days following Hurricane Katrina. Results also showed a lack of professionals, equipment, and overall basic needs for victims. Implications for social work practice and future research are presented.