Advise the public on actions to be taken Inform the public with timely and factual information Update on actions taken by stakeholders Facilitate Broadcast information regarding affected groups
Role of Media During Disasters
Report accurately and compassionately after verifying the news from competent authorities
Use multiple sources of information to verify the facts and figures
Choose words carefully. Avoid speculation. Stay calm and don’t express or create panic
Avoid sharing information on personal accounts on social media without editorial cross check, in order to ensure that only news, information, pictures, video are shared that are allowed to be broadcasted
Provide real time information
Strictly follow safety protocols and never risk your life
Role of Media After Disasters
Communicate Rehabilitation Plans Identify Gaps In Rehabilitation And Reconstruction Initiatives Share Precautionary Information Regarding Future Threats
Role of Media After Disasters
Inform the public about the causes that trigger disasters along with sharing verified facts and information
Question the lack of early warning systems and their significance.
Question the lack of urban planning and building resilience and why it is important.
Investigate the economic, social and cultural impacts of a disaster
Engage experts in dialogue who could draw lessons
Follow up on the long-term effects of disasters with current affairs programmes and media dialogue.
Keep the topic alive by including DRR issues in cultural and social events covered by media (e.g. children’s programmes, current affairs programmes, talk shows, soap operas, etc.).
Media SOP’s for Reporting on Disasters – Editors
Have an internal policy about who covers disasters
Have an internal contingency plan to cope with disasters
Have a plan to alert and issue early warning messages
Assign one reporter to cover DRR/M; the same reporter can also cover climate change
Allow time and space to investigate the causes of a disaster
Invest in DRR knowledge by sending reporters to DRR media training or on disaster field trips
Understand the role you can play in policy change
Organize private meetings at the higher level with national disaster managers
Organize awareness programmes to sensitize and educate vulnerable people
