Unit: 101 Unit 10 Media Relations/Public Information

Unit: 102 Introduction and Overview l Instructor introduction l Session objectives: –Identify and discuss steps that can be taken by local emergency response personnel to improve media relations in their community and use the media as a resource during emergency situations. –Describe how local officials and media effectively disseminate information about emergencies to the public. –Describe what information should be communicated to the public in preparation for and in response to an emergency. –Describe what to expect from the media during an emergency. –Describe precautions local officials should take when communicating with the media during an emergency.

Unit: 103 Emergency Public Information l Role of the media l Awareness campaigns –Media channels available for campaigns –Content of messages »Preparedness info »Evacuation info »Shelter locations »First aid

Unit: 104 The Emergency Alert System (EAS) l How EAS functions; the technology and equipment l Procedures for activation l Types of information broadcast on EAS l Voluntary participation

Unit: 105 Understanding the Media l Check on excesses of government l Part of the system of checks and balance l No prior restraint on publication l Question of fairness

Unit: 106 Current Functions of the Media l Both sides of the issue l Commentary l Informs l Entertains l Tests ideas l Investigates

Unit: 107 Suggestions for Dealing With the Media l Explain tactics, secured areas l Include editors in contact lists l Meet with them separately l Get agreement l Ask about their policies and ethics l Establish the correct tone l Appoint a spokesperson (PIO)

Unit: 108 How the Media Can Help l Get news and information out quickly l Print large amount of information l Boost your image

Unit: 109 Special Problems With the Media l Handling investigative reporters l Media competition l Access to emergency/disaster site l Journalism ethics

Unit: 1010 Summary and Questions