This session will discuss tips used to strengthen relationships with the news media to communicate accurate information to the public during the prolonged Kilauea Volcano lava eruption event on the Island of Hawaii. The Hawaii State Emergency Management Agency, and the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency used this strategy to provide updates, critical aid information, and safety alerts.
During this discussion you will hear how the Hawaii Department of Public Safety forged alliances with the media in order to communicate effectively during a crisis situation, learn how to:
- Navigate the growing pains during the chaotic initial stages of a crisis situation
- Collaborate with the media successfully - examples of what worked and what didn't
- Keep up with constant media information requests
- Quickly establish a strong relationship with the news outlet management teams
- Identify the first person on your list of media people to team up with during a crisis
- Navigate the situation when the reporter/media agency just doesn't seem to want to play nice
- Fight misinformation (in media coverage and social media) and get the right message out, with or without the media's help
Toni Schwartz,
Public Information OfficerHawaii Department of Public Safety
