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- Permanent Link:
- http://dpanther.fiu.edu/dpService/dpPurlService/purl/FI13042680/00001
Notes
- Summary:
- This document puts media and communications strategies at the core of effective disaster risk reduction (DRR). It discusses the media’s role in DRR, and means to reduce the communicational shortcomings that hamper such efforts The document identifies several communications challenges to the design of effective DRR programs, particularly the lack of an appropriate communications policy; deficiencies in coordination and communication among actors (first responders, officials, media, and experts); and continuous underestimation of the community’s capacity to understand DRR issues. Also, determining to whom information is given, the extent of the information that is communicated, how it is communicated, and when are among the most critical dimensions of the successful implementation of DRR programs. The media is a central actor in addressing these issues, playing a key role in surmounting popular indifference, apathy and ignorance, as well as engaging stakeholders and political agents. Amor and Murria go a step further in arguing that the way communication is strategized greatly shapes how society takes action, or fails to do so, prior to, during, and after a disaster. Communication in DRR cannot be improvised. It requires detailed planning and clear articulation of policy. The first section addresses communication issues between disaster managers and the public, particularly the need for the former to present their message in ways the latter can understand. The second deals with disaster managers and their relationship with mass media. Those within the DRR community must familiarize the media with the major aspects of DRR. This means facilitating their access to alternative sources of information, providing them with information about DRR before a disaster occurs in order to build their general knowledge on its various components, and working with them to translate technical aspects of disaster and DRR into language that is familiar to the average media consumer. DRR practitioners should also work with the media to develop a social marketing arm of their efforts focused on educating and increasing popular awareness of DRR. Perhaps the best way to close the gap between disaster managers and the media is to make changes in the way those engaged in DRR interact with those outside the field. This means accepting that the public has the capacity to understand rather technical aspects of disaster and DRR. It means establishing working relationships with the media prior to disaster events. It also involves being transparent and truthful at all times, ensuring a climate of mutual trust.
- Subject:
- General Risk Reduction
- Citation/Reference:
- Amor, R., Murria, J. (2005). The role of the media in disaster risk reduction programs. CRID.
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Florida International University
- Rights Management:
- Refer to main document/publisher for use rights.
- Resource Identifier:
- FI13042680
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