Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World

by George D. Haddow, Kim S Haddow

Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World, Third Edition provides valuable information for navigating these priorities in the age of evolving media. The emergence of new media like the Internet, email, blogs, text messaging, cell phone photos, and the increasing influence of first informers are redefining the roles of government and media. The tools and rules of communications are evolving, and disaster communications must also evolve to accommodate these changes and exploit the opportunities they provide. This book illuminates the path to effective disaster communication, including the need for transparency, increased accessibility, trustworthiness and reliability, and partnerships with the media.

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Geordon VanTassle · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this book was really kind of rudimentary, but it is an excellent introduction to social media (think Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc) and how they can shape and be shaped by emergency and disaster situations.

This text provides some good examples of successful communication strategies, as well as suggestions on how to improve existing communication plans. This should be "must read" for anyone in emergency or disaster management (EDM), no matter what their level of responsibility. Especially, this should be high on the list for anyone in EDM leadership, as well as local government leadership. The suggestions provided are well presented and thought out.

[Lori White]

read this when i was trying to get a job working in new orleans post-katrina. i didn't get it