It should be noted that Tibet as a news subject is not like most other subjects. Tibet is a region controlled by China from which it is difficult or impossible to get real news of any kind. China does not allow Tibetans to use cell phones to communicate out of the country, does not allow Tibetans political representation (there is a government in exile, which operates from Daramsala, India), disappears and jails even peaceful protesters, as well as those found with any politically sensitive material. When Tibetans are apprehended for these crimes, their punishments are strict or severe.
Tibet is not a subject many politicians, even in the West, will broach, due to the leverage of economically powerful and rising China.
There is limited Tibet coverage by mainstream news organizations, and China has been found engaging in internet attacks, mass internet propaganda, and other things that make reporting difficult. Chinese reports and comments on Tibet are usually at odds with the truth.
Therefore, the only way any news, usually fugitive, from Tibet is possible is due to the efforts of Tibetan rights groups. These rights groups, while they certainly have a political agenda (generally, increased human and political rights for Tibetans), bring the world the only news we have of what is actually taking place in Tibet.
Contributors and contacts:
Allistair Currie, Campaigns and Media Manager of Free Tibet