by Tim Birr, Division Chief (Ret.), Tualatin Valley (OR) Fire and Rescue
Many fire chiefs have been overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of satellite trucks, news helicopters, and media personnel when an incident in their jurisdiction attracts the mediaโs attention. If reporters cannot get fast, accurate information from fire officials, theyโll get it from whomever they can. This book is intended to help fire departments learn to work with the media, which should be an ongoing process throughout the year not just at emergencies.
Contents:
โข Public relations 101
โข Who are these reporters and what do they want, anyway?
โข Communicating with the communicators
โข Who can we get to do this stuff? Choosing a PIO
โข Where does it say that? A primer on legal considerations
โข The PIO at the incident scene
โข Q&A: Basic skills for news interviews
โข When the news hits the fan: Preparing for the inevitable
โข Connecting with the community
โข Model public information: Policy and procedure
โข Model public information: Plan for major emergencies
โข Oregon bar/press/broadcasters: joint statement of principles
โข Bibliography
โข Selected sources for additional training
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