Role of the Media in Emergency Situations by Professor Aggrey Brown - UWI LEADERS COURSE Feb 19, 2003

Role of the Media in Emergency Situations To provide Accurate,Timely Useful information

Todays Media (Caribbean context) Market driven Operate in a competitive environment – it is a business! Relies on packaged information from the Big Media houses (e.g. BBC, CNN, etc) as local resources are limited

Get your message across… Cultivate relationship with credible players – Talk show hosts – News editors, producers, journalists – Disk jockey Media cultivation must be an ongoing activity – not only at the time of an emergency – Develop strong links – Nurture trust

What kind of message… The truth – Accurate – Concise – Candid Avoid speculations

Talking to the Media – Institutional Level… Use a spoke person – if the top dog is capable and available use him/her – otherwise use someone who can represent the institution well – Dont second guess an expert – Be prepared – Media strive on sensationalism – be careful Ensure that you utilize radio – it is mobile!

Be wise… Speak with confidence – Speak about what you know – Dont left things hanging – can backfire on you Dont leave room for SPECULATION

Most asked questions (point of impact) What is likely to happen? Who/where will be affected? Who will be affected most? When will it likely happen? How prepared are people in the areas to response? What officials are responsible? How long will the event last? What mitigation measures are in place? What do the affected people need to know? Where are shelters situated?

Most asked questions (point of impact) Which areas are considered safe? What people have to take with them if they have to move? Who will be responsible for the physically challenged? What are the risks for the people who choose to remain in vulnerable areas? What should the affected do at this point?

Most asked questions (hours after – during the event) What is happening? Who is affected and how? Nature of injuries, damage, deaths? How are people coping? How can the general public assist? When will it end? How does this event compares to past similar events? What are national officials doing? What agencies are to be contacted for assistance?

Most asked questions (after the impact) How many casualties? Where are the most affected? What is the quantification of losses? What is the status of the essential services? What is the condition of the roads – what are the routes available? Where and when help will arrive?

Most asked questions for health sector Which Medical facilities are functional? Measures to protect public health – Food, water availability and management Where can help be found?