I'm trying not to be cynical.

Anderson Cooper is not making it easy.

The images from Haiti are staggering The scope of the tragedy is overwhelming at times. The media in Haiti often show and tell poignant stories that not only inform but also rally people around the world to help.

Still, I get the heebie-jeebies every time I see Anderson Cooper on camera wearing his intentionally tight T-shirt  "interpreting" the tragedy for an audience. Not to pick on Cooper. Well, OK, to pick on Cooper. He is media superstar so his very primped presence feels suspicious, like Madonna or Angelina globe-trotting for orphans, and so creeps me out. At least Cooper is reaching a huge national audience who might be inspired to donate money to relief funds which sort of justifies his water, food, shelter and medical supply use that might be going to others more needy.

When stations promote their Haiti coverage they sound creepily like hucksters of tragedy .

On top of that, many regional media are also in Haiti gathering their own stories with a slant of interest to their particular market using up resources to tell their stories.

The work of covering news is always a delicate balance but this time the scales appear tipped.

 vivianmcinerny@gmail.com