It is somehow surprising to observe the coverage of the current Greek crisis by the international media. 

Although the situation is one of the most serious which the European Union has faced to date, the level of attention given to the unfolding of the events in Greece seems rather inappropriate. 

The major international media outlets provide reports and updates whenever riots break out or parliament decides for yet more austerity measures.  

Only a few days ago, on February 12th,  we saw images from Athens showing devastation, looting and confrontation with the police in the streets of the capital and the aftermath of the riots is also well documented by the international press. 

What is lacking is a more in depth commentary and investigation service aiming at explaining the complexity of the Greek crisis or, better said, the European crisis for the problem did not originate exclusively in Greece. 

The fractioning within the EU is reflected in the behavior of the press and the media industry in general: citizens are only allowed a superficial coverage of the issue and excluded from gaining a more comprehensive view, which could actually lead to open debate and shared decision making, rather than fostering hatred and isolation. 

It is in times like these that the media should function as a tool serving the public good and enlighten citizens over the complexity of he world they live in. 

If mainstream media is not willing to take up the challenge, be it for commercial, financial or other reasons, maybe citizen journalism should do so and show the world what it really means to be on the brink of collaps.