and to clearly define
the role of the media in this critical aspect of emergency management.
Develop a good working relationship with the EMC media liaison
officer.
Read the media packs provided and digest and use the information
therein.
Regional and global players arriving on the scene once a crisis
has already started to develop should inform the EMC of their
arrival and proceed via formal channels and with the knowledge
and agreement of the EMC and its media liaison officer.
Attend official press conferences and join organised events
such as visits to the monitoring observatory or into exclusions
zones.
DO NOT arrive on the scene unannounced.
DO NOT 'go-your-own-way' or avoid contact
with the EMC and its media liaison officer.
DO NOT short-circuit official routes of
information. This can sow bad feeling and
mistrust and confuse or damage warning
messages. It may also distract scientists and
emergency managers from their primary tasks.
DO NOT look for hidden agendas that are not
there or invent scapegoats that may hinder the
effectiveness of crisis management.
DO NOT invent, encourage or spread, rumour
or innuendo. Always cross-check unofficial views
with official sources.
The monitoring scientists have a key role to play
during any volcanic crisis. Based upon
geophysical data they will determine the nature,
extent and impact of hazards associated with
eruptive activity, and use this to assess risk. Such
assessments will be passed on to the EMC -
usually in the form of probabilities - with
recommendations or suggestions of how to
respond. Members of the monitoring team are
likely to be fully occupied and under
considerable pressure. Consequently most will
rarely be able to spare the time for lengthy
interviews. It is likely, however, that - in order to |
limit interference with the work of the team as a
whole - an individual will have been given the
role of liaising with the media.
Seek out the monitoring team's media spokesperson for information
and comment.
Be aware that the scientist's spokesperson must first clear
his statements and announcements with the EMC. Do not pressurise
for comment in advance of this.
In the light of the above, it would be helpful if you could
submit the gist of a proposed interview in advance.
In order to ask sensible and valid questions, and to comprehend
the answers, familiarise yourself with the local volcano, its
behaviour and history.
If you don't understand something that a scientist has said
or written, ask for clarification. Misinterpretation could have
serious implications for management of the crisis.
Be straightforward and open with the scientists. Do not try
and trick them into revealing information that could harm the
management of the crisis.
DO NOT harass members of the monitoring team
who are not cleared to talk to the media.
DO NOT actively pursue disagreement or foment
dissent amongst the scientific community.
NEVER encourage 'off the record' comments or
statements.
NEVER deliberately misinterpret, modify or
embellish the message provided by a member of the monitoring
team.
DO NOT promote the views of scientists who
are not part of the monitoring team and who may hold maverick
views. |
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