Foundation Interview

The Backstory

The Sidney Hillman Foundation talks to the monthly Sidney winners about the impact of their work, and the stories left untold.
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JANUARY: Anderson Cooper, host of "Anderson Cooper 360°," talks about his Sidney-winning coverage of Haiti.

1. Why have you committed yourself to this story of human tragedy and government failure with so much more energy than most of the rest of American media?

I think all of us still covering this story wish there were more reporters from other networks still on the ground. Thankfully, CNN is committed to reporting on what is still unfolding. My producer, Charlie Moore, my cameraman, Neil Hallsworth and I, and all the other CNN teams in Haiti, feel that what the Haitian people continue to face everyday is extraordinary, and the least we can do is to bear witness to their struggle. Unless the world continues to pay attention to what is happening in Haiti, there is a good chance that the needs of the Haitian people will once again be forgotten.

2. What has been the response to your work?

The response among Haitians and Haitian-Americans has been very positive. I think they want the story told, and appreciate the lengths to which we have gone to do that.

3. What should Americans know?

That the tragedy is ongoing. There is a lot more happening in Haiti than the 10 American missionaries in jail. Hundreds of thousands are homeless sleeping on the streets or in parks. People are hungry, and schools are closed, and the Haitian government has shown little ability to meet the needs of its people.

4. Do you see any hope for fundamental change for Haiti through the recovery process?

I don't think it is my job to be hopeful or to be pessimistic. I just try to report what I see. I can tell you most of the Haitians I've talked to want more from their own government, and I do think unless there is strong leadership on the ground in Haiti, it will be very difficult to truly bring about lasting change.