ESMG_4200_Lesson_6 Summary

James Delli Gatti

Serving the Public Interest in a Crisis: Radio and its Unique Role

Reference:  Spence, P., Lachlan, K., McIntyre, J., & Seeger, M. (July 2009). Serving the Public Interest in a Crisis: Radio and its Unique Role. Journal of Radio & Audio Media, P144-159.

 

Theme: Media relations and disaster preparedness

Summary: This Journal article highlights the effectiveness of radio news media and its unique role in serving the public's interests during a disaster. The article goes on to state that in a study of one hundred twenty seven radio stations that many stations don't dedicate much time to being prepared for disaster coverage and rely heavily on the EAS system.

"During times of crisis, radio stations frequently operate in the public interest, disseminating critical information concerning the crisis, as well as information on remedial steps that can be taken by the affected public. Questions remain concerning the level of preparedness across varying stations, as well as self perceptions concerning the role of radio in these instances. A survey of 127 radio stations indicates that many stations do not invest much time in crisis training and preparedness, and instead rely heavily on the EAS system" (Spence, Lachlan, McIntyre, & Seeger, July 2009)4

 

While very few radio stations are ill prepared to deal with a disaster situation this article highlights the role of radio in creating mass panic during the H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds radio program. the radio is an excellent tool for the use of emergency services personnel to utilize in the event of an emergency due to a large listening demographic and its ability to get your message out to the public that you are trying to inform and protect. 

Application to the lesson topic: The media has the ability to take a story and paint the situation out in very many different shades of grey. The news media can also be a very useful tool in disseminating information regarding disaster preparedness to the public in order to mitigate future catastrophes and your relationship with them can make the difference in getting the message that you want in an accurate, timely, and efficient manner.

Application to emergency services: It is important that you have a good relationship with the news media and that you provide as much information as possible; that is a true representation as to what is actually going on in a disaster situation. Having a good relationship with the media can facilitate good lines of communication and achieve the goals in other areas such as disaster preparedness.

Spence, P., Lachlan, K., McIntyre, J., & Seeger, M. (July 2009). Serving the Public Interest in a Crisis: Radio and its Unique Role. Journal of Radio & Audio Media, P144-159.