I’m human too’: The cost of reporting on disasters in Timor Leste

Reporters from Radio Television Timor Leste (RTTL) face similar challenges to Pacific countries in relation to natural disasters and climate change.

Living in and reporting from small villages outside of the capital of Dili, reporters like Marion Martinz say they feel the pressure of covering these events. 

“I’m a reporter, but I’m human too and I feel very sad when I see these kinds of things,” Mr Martinz said.

RTTL journalist Aurelia Madeira Lives and works on the south coast of Timor Leste, an area frequently hit by natural disasters, and she relishes making a difference.

“I cover something that at least helps the community to be aware of something that will happen or something that has already happened to them, so I’m very proud as a journalist,” Ms Madeira said.

*Pacific Prepared is produced by ABC International Development with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.