By Shirma Wells
I make reference to a question asked by Andre Donald at the Prime Minister’s media conference yesterday when he asked in essence if the Government will mandate to the Media what they ‘ought’ to do. Maybe his choice of the word ‘mandate’ was not the best choice and we can harp on trying to muzzle the media; however, the media has a role to play in an emergency and I am sure that there are guidelines or rules they ‘ought’ to follow which are enshrined within the license to operate, (some one more knowledgeable can inform).
As a qualified communicator (not a journalist or media professional), I am aware of the role of the media in an emergency. Is it that Mr. Donald feels that the media is not playing their roles and need to be guided to do so? Are you satisfied that Radio stations are generally reaching out (not sporadically) with intent to inform people in a consistent manner, or is it business as usual? In my mind, the intention of Andre was well meaning. Let us look at the concern he raised and not just a word that may have distorted the question, (which he as a media manager has a right to ask; it’s called press freedom).
I take this opportunity to share the following as what ‘ought’ to happen
- The Media’s Role in a Crisis, Disaster, or Emergency
One of your most important communication partners during an emergency is the media. Don’t be nervous to work with the media! The media serves as an emergency broadcast system to get vital information to the people who need it most. During the beginning of a crisis, reporters are less concerned with audience, are more interested in knowing what happened and how to stay safe.
Here are some ways to make the most out of your relationship with the media to effectively communicate in an emergency.
Establish relationships with your local media agencies before a disaster.
Provide all media outlets with the same information at the same time.
Attempt to give reporters a reasonable timeframe to expect new information updates.
Understand journalism deadlines and work to accommodate them. During a crisis, it is important to be available—if necessary, around the clock—to help reporters get the facts right before their deadline.
As communicators, you and the media share the same goal during an emergency: getting reliable, updated information out first and reaching the most people. The 24-hour news cycle is a great way to draw public attention to the issue and provide key safety messages in real-time. Like you, reporters have a job to do and have deadlines to meet. Meeting your deadlines can save lives and a strong relationship with media can help make that happen.
https://www.cdc.gov/
- The Role of Media in Disaster and Emergency Communication Models
Stavros Кalogiannidis
When a community is threatened, radio will help to shield citizens and motivate community leaders and social groups to work together to achieve common recovery and recovery goals. Other Media are less resistant to the consequences of a crisis or natural disaster. Radio stations can and should play a leading role in identifying and disseminating information, given their location as local and direct channels of communication in a community. Of course, these advantages are only important if radio station managers are aware of their ability to respond to the onset of a crisis and are willing to do their job.
