1. Intervention for Chronic and Emergency Exposure Situations Communication with the Public Public and Media Communication in an Emergency Situation Lecture IAEA Post Graduate Educational Course in Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources

2. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public2 Introduction l Communication with the media and the public is an essential part of emergency response preparedness plans l The objectives of this lesson are to present and explain principles and basic ways of communication with the media and the public in an emergency

3. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public3 Content l Working with the media l On-scene media operations l Basic communication principles l The media interview l Media Briefing/Interview Planning Worksheet l The press release/news statements l Summary

4. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public4 Background l People fear what they don’t understand l Few understand radiation, and most distrust authorities l Honest, accurate, and timely information builds trust

5. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public5 Effective Communication l The importance of effective communications with the media cannot be overlooked l In any significant emergency, media interest will be high l News is a 24 hour activity

6. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public6 Communicating with the Media and the Public l Why is it important? n Provide information to public n Prevent rumor n Maintain credibility of response organizations n Allow responders to focus on response n Reduce the psychological impact

7. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public7 Principles of Communications l Effective organizations communicate well l Less can be more l Have trained communications experts at the executive level l Communication must be on-going and predictable

8. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public8 Principles of Communications (Cont’d) l The foundation of trust is openness l Use terms that are simple and easy to understand l Evaluate your communication program and annual budget

9. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public9 The Media l Media outlets – Examples n Broadcast sTelevision sRadio n Print sNewspapers sMagazines n Internet Web Sites

10. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public10 Working With the Media l Media expectations/needs n Facts the media wants to know sWho, what, when, where, why, how? n Access to Emergency Manager and On-scene Controller near the accident site n Production deadlines

11. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public11 Communication with the Media and the Public l When and What Form n On-going media effort as part of preparedness program n General information leaflets with terms, radiation units, emergency arrangements, and putting risks in perspective n Background information on radiation uses and emergency plans for use in media briefings

12. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public12 Communication with the Media and the Public (Cont’d) l Identifying/designating individuals authorized as spokespersons

13. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public13 Communications with the Media and the Public (Cont’d) l Information must be coordinated and approved before release in briefings, interviews, or press releases l Designated media gathering point l Joint Information Center/Emergency Public Information Center may be required for large scale accidents

14. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public14 The Press Release/News Statement l Content l Format l “Inverted pyramid style” l When to write a release Crucial Information Less Important

15. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public15 On-scene Media Operations l Must not interfere with response operations l Establish “rules of engagement”

16. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public16 On-scene Media Operations (Cont’d) l On-scene Controller must establish media boundaries l Monitor the media

17. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public17 On-scene Media Operations (Cont’d) l Access to scene l Designated media area l “Pool coverage” arrangement l Information technology l Visiting dignitaries/officials

18. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public18 The Media Interview l Types of interviews n Live vs. taped n Print n Broadcast n General vs. investigative n Ambush vs. prearranged n Office vs. on scene

19. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public19 The Media Interview (Cont’d) “Unwritten rules”

20. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public20 General Interview Guidelines l Ten rules of communication during an interview

21. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public21 Media Briefing/interview Planner Worksheet l Date/time/place l Audience l Anticipated questions/responses l Opening statement/introduction

22. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public22 Media Briefing / Interview Planner Worksheet l Key messages l Supporting facts l Sound bites l Summary statement/conclusion l Visual aids/handouts

23. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public23 Summary l Importance of communicating effectively with media l Fundamental principles of communications l Characteristics of the media l Skills/knowledge required l Media locations l The press release and guidelines l On-scene focus l Media interview guidelines and worksheet

24. Module X.9 - Communication with the Public24 Where to Get More Information l All the references listed in this lesson l Practical exercise – simulation of media briefing/interview