summarizes a journalistic business viewpoint on international news coverage, and typifies the reasoning behind foreign bureau cut backs. Estimates range from $125,000 to $300,000 for supporting a correspondent abroad for one year, which varies more if correspondent has a family (Hachten, p.111). News sources refuse to invest in in-depth foreign correspondence when their stories do not sell as much as cheaper coverage of domestic affairs. In addition to market pressures, other factors play into the decline of foreign correspondents. Correspondence abroad has intense requirements of an individual-an educational background in languages, history, writing, and diplomatic norms; ceaseless travels; little or no time for family or personal life. These facts are not appealing to job-seeking journalists and coupled with bureau cuts, there is little incentive to become a foreign correspondent. Additionally, it is dangerous to live as a representative of the American media abroad. In 1994 alone, there were 115 foreign correspondents killed, the 'year of media slaughter' (Geyer, p.7). Covering wars, civil unrest, natural disasters, and other news stories often puts the correspondent in highly politicized or unstable situations. The job is dangerous, and at times threatens life. Consequently, foreign correspondence has drastically diminished and only select major news sources continue to maintain active international bureaus. Therefore, in the investigation of factors that have led to declining world coverage, three major categories stand out. The close of the Cold War, competitive media markets, and too few foreign correspondents, summarize the reasons for the reduction of international news. The lack of coverage and interest can be ameliorated, however, with the development of a new framework with which to raise international issues. If the traditional and new media venues take the time to reestablish public interest in foreign issues...
