Instant media
Posted on 16. Aug, 2009 by Chris in Communication
In a previous post we discussed how you deal with the media and be the best representative for your department that you can. But in today’s world everyone is a publisher.
From mobile phones with cameras to people lugging around digital cameras that fit nicely in a pocket and the load of ameteur bloggers / publishers, media communication can become a real problem for your department because you’re not in control.
Everyday people are reporting the news more frequently and without regard than any time in modern history. How can you deal with this and maybe even thwart a few rumors or fallacies that might arise from this public media.
First make sure you have clear and concise facts presented to the proper media outlets. Even if that means sending out those dreaded press releases to area news agencies, it’s important you get the correct story out there.
Next you can become your own media center and P.I.O via your website. Use it to post stories and if possible images of the incident. A combination of your facts and images makes you a far more accurate reporter than Johnny the freelancer who happened to have his video camera in the car while you were still on the scene.
Have you had to thwart a false claim and/or facts after an incident to make sure your department’s name isn’t Mudd? (If you really are the Mudd Fire Department, we meant no offense!)
