Clearing the Air: Journalists and Emergency Managers Discuss Disaster Response

Abstract

Emergency managers and journalists share a goal of delivering vital information to the public in a disaster. Effectively achieving this goal requires that emergency managers and journalists work together. This study examines the discourse between emergency managers and journalists to identify communication challenges and to provide suggestions for improving the emergency manager–media relationship. Communication issues that can affect the relationship and inhibit collaboration include stereotypical judgments, a lack of trust, paradoxical challenges, and unrealistic expectations. Roles with which each is identified and their perceived affiliations to larger government and media structures contributed to a lack of trust. Findings suggest that when emergency managers and journalists are better informed about each others' professions, and when they develop stronger interpersonal relationships, the quality and timeliness of information delivered to the public improves.

Keywords:

• Media Relations
• Emergency Management
• Crisis Communication
• Professional Communication
• Collaboration

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Somer Erickson and Francisco Ojeda for their assistance in data collection and participant coordination.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shari R. Veil

Shari R. Veil, MBA, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Director of the Division of Risk Sciences in the College of Communications and Information Studies at the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on communication strategies for crisis management, community preparedness, and organizational learning in high-risk environments