The presentation of disaster journalism in Azerbaijani media: The case of the February 6th Kahramanmaraş earthquake

Since the beginning of human history, many natural disasters have occurred, with earthquakes being among the most frequent and devastating. In such times, societies require accurate and timely information, giving rise to a specialized field known as disaster journalism. Disaster journalism functions as a media activity that informs the public before, during, and after a disaster. In this context, the media plays a crucial role in facilitating crisis communication and cooperation both locally and internationally. The Kahramanmaraş Earthquake, which struck on February 6, 2023, has been described as the "disaster of the century" in Turkish history, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction. This catastrophe captured the attention of international media and aid organizations, and Azerbaijan stood by Türkiye through both humanitarian aid and media support. This study aims to analyze how this earthquake was reflected in the Azerbaijani media. News articles published in Azerbaijani newspapers between February 7 and 12, 2023, were examined using content analysis. The attitudes of journalists during crises, the societal impact of news, and its importance in terms of public interest are discussed. Furthermore, the study evaluates the Azerbaijani press's disaster journalism practices within the framework of accurate and ethical journalism principles.