How to Develop Media Strategy Plan

Media SOP’s for Reporting on Disasters – Reporters

• Develop private contacts with disaster experts before disasters happen; know who they are, their exact specialty and have regular contact with them.
• Have a contact list for experts in urban risks, early warning systems, climate change, gender, environmental and development issues to enrich the disaster story
• Have contacts with national and local meteorological departments, disaster managers, ministers and ministries involved in disaster reduction, civil protection or civil defence

Media SOP’s for Reporting on Disasters – Reporters

• Maintain updated lists of experts for every type of hazard likely to happen in your country
• Keep updated statistics on previous events in your region
• Become familiar with the most disaster-prone zones and vulnerable areas
• Keep a track record of past disasters and lessons learned.
• Get familiar with the main prevention and mitigation measures taken by your authorities so that you are ready when disasters strike
• Know the factors that can make a disaster worse
• Base your information only on sound scientific knowledge
• Invest in DRR knowledge to dig out stories later on
• Listen to communities and what they have to say

Guidelines for Reporting on Disasters

• It is the responsibility of electronic and print media reporter to seek and provide accurate information to the public. Reporters should be accountable for their actions
• Electronic media reporters should sensitize the public on the significance of preparedness by producing programs, documentaries, dramas, and songs on disasters and their impacts.
• Electronic media can play a vital role in providing early warnings to the public but care should be taken while transmission of the early warning. Message should be phrased clearly and confirmed through the reliable sources to avoid false reports and unnecessary panic.