Current Issues

 

Navigating the Challenges of Disaster Coverage in the Digital Age

Image created by chatGPT

by John Fisher

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the way we consume and share information during disasters has changed drastically. Gone are the days when people relied solely on television or radio for updates during a crisis. With the rise of social media, anyone with a smartphone can become a reporter. But while this offers real-time information, it also brings challenges, especially when misinformation spreads as quickly as facts. How are we adapting to these new realities, and what are the current issues in disaster coverage that we need to address? Here are some of the current issues in media coverage of disasters proposed by students in a Public Information and Disasters class.

The Rise of Misinformation in Disaster Coverage One of the biggest issues in disaster coverage today is the spread of misinformation. During crises, people turn to social media for updates, but platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can quickly become breeding grounds for rumors and false information. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when false claims about the virus and safety measures circulated widely, confusing the public and complicating official responses. Misinformation can lead to panic, improper responses, and a lack of trust in authorities.

The Speed vs. Accuracy Dilemma Another challenge is the pressure to report information quickly, often at the expense of accuracy. In a 24-hour news cycle, media outlets race to be the first to report breaking news. Unfortunately, this rush often leads to the spread of incomplete or inaccurate information. This was especially clear during major natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires, where initial reports were sometimes based on speculation rather than verified facts. The result? Public confusion and a greater burden on emergency services to correct false narratives.

The Role of Public Information Officers (PIOs) With misinformation and the pressure for speed, Public Information Officers (PIOs) have become more critical than ever. These individuals act as the link between emergency services and the public, ensuring that accurate information is shared in a timely manner. However, PIOs face their own set of challenges, particularly in coordinating messages across sectors. Conflicting reports between government agencies, private companies, and local organizations can lead to confusion and distrust, making it harder for communities to respond effectively.

The Polarization of Media Coverage Disaster coverage has also become increasingly polarized. In some cases, media outlets tailor their reporting based on the political affiliations of their audience, particularly when it comes to issues like climate change. This bias can affect how information is presented, causing divisions in public perception. For example, extreme weather events linked to climate change may be reported differently on conservative versus liberal media outlets, leading to varied responses from different groups.

Media Literacy and Public Education One solution to the challenges in disaster coverage is improving media literacy. If the public is better equipped to identify credible sources and verify the information they receive, the impact of misinformation can be reduced. Governments, schools, and media organizations must collaborate to teach media literacy, enabling individuals to critically assess the information they encounter, particularly during a disaster.

Conclusion: Disaster coverage is more complex than ever before. As we navigate the digital landscape, it’s important to recognize the challenges of misinformation, the race for speed, and the role of public information officers. By focusing on transparency, media literacy, and collaboration across sectors, we can ensure that disaster coverage serves its primary purpose: keeping the public informed, safe, and prepared.

References:

• Almotawa, T., & Aljabri, D. (2020). Role of social media in creating awareness during COVID-19 pandemic. ICEB 2020 Proceedings (Hong Kong, SAR China), 14. Retrieved from https://aisel.aisnet.org/iceb2020/14

• Al-Saggaf, Y., & Simmons, P. (2015). Social media in disaster management: Cautionary tales from Australian and New Zealand emergencies. Pacific Journalism Review, 21(1), 51-66. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.24135/pjr.v21i1.121

• Austin, L., Fisher Liu, B., & Jin, Y. (2019). How audiences seek out crisis information: Exploring the social-mediated crisis communication model. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 40(2), 188-207.

• Bolstad, P., & Victor, D. (2024, July 24). The growing divide in media coverage of climate change. Brookings. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-growing-divide-in-media-coverage-of-climate-change/

• Cinelli, M., Quattrociocchi, W., Galeazzi, A., et al. (2020). The COVID-19 social media infodemic. Scientific Reports, 10, 16598. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73510-5

• Fearn-Banks, K. (2016). Crisis communications: A casebook approach. Routledge.

• Maron, D. F. (2020). Misinformation on social media is a serious threat to public health. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/misinformation-on-social-media-is-a-serious-threat-to-public-health

• Mangones, A. (2024, March 15). Social Media in disasters. PrepareCenter. Retrieved from https://preparecenter.org/topic/social-media-disasters

• Purohit, H., & Chan, J. (2018). Social media for public information and warning in disasters: Connecting research and practice. Computers in Human Behavior, 89, 1-4. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.031

• Red Cross Canada. (2023, May 17). Why misinformation is dangerous, especially during disasters. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2023/5/why-misinformation-is-dangerous-especially-during-disasters

• Reynolds, B., & Seeger, M. W. (2005). Crisis and emergency risk communication as an integrative model. Journal of Health Communication, 10(1), 43-55.

• Seeger, M. W., Sellnow, T. L., & Ulmer, R. R. (2018). Communication in times of crisis: Theories, strategies, and risks. Wiley.

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. (2024). Cross-Sector Communications Response and Challenges in Times of Crisis. Panel Discussion Interview. Retrieved from https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/disasters/cross-sector-communications-responses-and-challenges-in-times-of-crisis

Media Relations

Local vs. National Media: How Disaster Coverage Shapes Public Perception

Photo credit: flickr commons - So Cal Metro

by John R. Fisher, PhD

The way news media covers disaster events can significantly shape public perception and influence how communities respond. Whether it’s a wildfire in California, a hurricane along the Gulf Coast, or a global pandemic, both local and national media play distinct roles in informing and guiding the public. Local news outlets often focus on providing timely, community-specific information such as evacuation orders, road closures, and safety measures. In contrast, national media tend to present a broader picture, linking individual events to larger themes like climate change or federal policy. Understanding these differences is crucial for emergency responders, Public Information Officers (PIOs), and the public in order to navigate through crises effectively.

For this article, I analyzed discussion posts from emergency management students studying media relations and the impact in disaster response. The discussion posts analyzed provide a detailed examination of how national and local media cover disaster events differently. Three primary themes emerge from the discussion:

1. Audience Focus and Information Relevance

   A prominent theme is the differing focus on audience needs between local and national media. Local media are portrayed as prioritizing actionable and community-specific information, such as evacuation orders, road closures, and safety updates. For example, one post about California wildfire coverage explains that local outlets like the Orange County Register provide real-time updates to residents, including precise locations affected and safety precautions (OC Register Staff, 2024). In contrast, national outlets like CNN offer a "30,000-foot view" of the incident, highlighting broader issues such as the economic impact and climate change implications (Boyette, 2024). This broader coverage often lacks the detailed information that directly affects residents.

2. Trust and Perceived Credibility

   Another recurring theme is the impact of local vs. national coverage on public trust and credibility, particularly in highly sensitive disaster events. During the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, for example, national media in Japan was criticized for aligning with the government’s narrative, which led to a loss of trust among the local population (Meissner, 2018). In contrast, local outlets took a more investigative approach, providing the affected communities with more transparent and relevant information, resulting in higher trust from local audiences. This aligns with findings in U.S. disaster scenarios, where residents often prefer local news for immediate, reliable updates.

3. Framing and Agenda Setting

   The framing of disaster coverage is a key theme, with national media often linking events to larger narratives, such as federal response, economic cost, and broader policy issues. For instance, national coverage of wildfires in California focused on the broader impacts across multiple states and tied the incidents to climate change (Boyette, 2024). In contrast, local media remained focused on immediate concerns, such as shelter locations and the status of local emergency response efforts. Similarly, the differing coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how state media focused on regional safety measures and local statistics, while federal media painted a national picture, emphasizing comparative international data and vaccine distribution (Erwin et al., 2021).

Implications for Emergency Services and Public Communication

The differences in coverage have direct implications for emergency services and their public communication strategies. Local media serve as a vital partner for Public Information Officers (PIOs) in disseminating community-specific updates, while national media can amplify the scale of an event and attract broader attention and resources. However, the rise of social media introduces both opportunities and challenges, as highlighted in posts discussing wildfire coverage and social media’s role in rapid information dissemination (Moravec, 2021).

Emergency services need to be aware of how these different media platforms influence public perception and action, tailoring their communication strategies accordingly. Engaging local outlets for immediate updates and leveraging national media for broader narratives can ensure that accurate information reaches both local communities and wider audiences.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, both local and national media have unique strengths that contribute to effective disaster coverage. Local outlets excel in delivering immediate, actionable information relevant to community safety, making them indispensable during emergencies. On the other hand, national media bring widespread attention to large-scale impacts and long-term implications, which can attract broader support and resources. For those directly impacted, local coverage is typically more beneficial. However, national media’s role in amplifying the scale of an event remains essential for shaping national discourse and policy. By combining both types of coverage, communities can stay informed and prepared, ensuring that critical information reaches every level of society.

References

Boyette, C. (2024, September 11). Bridge, Line, Airport, and Davis fires grow in California and Nevada, displacing thousands. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/us/wildfires-spread-california-nevada-monday/index.html.

Erwin, P. C., Mucheck, K. W., & Brownson, R. C. (2021, April). Different responses to COVID-19 in four US states: Washington, New York, Missouri, and Alabama. American Journal of Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7958009/.

Meissner, F. (2018, January 17). Voices from the disaster area: Local and regional media in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures after ‘3.11’. Taylor and Francis Online. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/18692729.2018.1423761.

Moravec, P., Yan, L., & Twyman, M. (2021, March 21). Wildfire Response Operations: Intentional Fear Reduction through Social Media Updates. Kelley School of Business. Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3806611.

OC Register Staff. (2024, September 15). Bridge fire map shows more than 50 homes and structures damaged or destroyed. Orange County Register. Retrieved from https://www.ocregister.com/2024/09/15/bridge-fire-map-shows-more-than-50-homes-and-structures-damaged-or-destroyed/.

This article was written with the assistance of chatGPT.

#DisasterResponse #MediaCoverage #LocalNews #NationalNews #PublicPerception

Citizen Journalists

 

Growing Trend of Citizens Reporting the News

image from chatGPT

by John Fisher, PhD

Citizen reporters, also known as citizen journalists, have become a powerful force in coverage of the news. Equipped with smartphones, social media accounts, and personal blogs, these everyday individuals now play a vital role in gathering, reporting, analyzing, and sharing news. Though not formally trained as professional journalists, their contributions have reshaped the way we consume information. Here’s a closer look at the key roles citizen journalists play in today’s news ecosystem, along with examples of their impact.

Individual Reporting

Citizen reporters often act independently, creating and sharing their own stories without the need for established news organizations. Using platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or personal blogs, they offer opinions and firsthand accounts of events happening in their communities or even across the globe. This direct form of reporting allows for unfiltered perspectives, often offering fresh angles that traditional news outlets may overlook.

For example, during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in the U.S., many citizen journalists used Twitter and Instagram to post live updates, photos, and videos from the ground, providing real-time coverage that major news organizations could not immediately capture. This gave people around the world instant access to eyewitness accounts, making these citizen reporters crucial in shaping the narrative.

Collaboration With News Organizations

While many citizen journalists work independently, some collaborate with professional news organizations. They may offer news tips, eyewitness accounts, or even live reports through platforms like Periscope or Instagram Live. In some cases, citizen reporters will add value to an existing news story by offering context or commentary, while others may serve as local correspondents for events where professional journalists are not present.

During the Syrian civil war, for instance, many citizen reporters shared firsthand footage and information from war-torn areas that were inaccessible to international journalists. Major news outlets like BBC and CNN often sourced this content, verifying its authenticity and including it in their coverage, thereby enhancing their reporting of the conflict.

Crowdsourcing News

Citizen journalism often thrives through crowdsourcing, where news stories are built from contributions by multiple individuals. In these cases, journalists collect videos, photos, and reports from numerous citizen reporters, fact-check the material, and then publish it as part of a larger story. This method helps ensure that diverse perspectives are represented, especially in situations where professional journalists cannot be present everywhere at once.

A prime example of this is how news outlets covered the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Thousands of social media posts, photos, and videos from people on the ground helped shape the global understanding of the disaster’s magnitude and the immediate needs of those affected. Major outlets like The Guardian and Al Jazeera used these contributions to provide a more comprehensive view of the unfolding crisis.

How Professional Journalists Use Citizen Reporters

1. Eyewitness Accounts: One of the most valuable aspects of citizen journalism is the ability to provide real-time, eyewitness accounts of events. Whether it’s a local protest, a natural disaster, or an unexpected political event, citizen reporters often offer raw, immediate coverage, allowing for a more dynamic view of current events. This was notably evident during the 2019 Hong Kong protests, where citizen journalists played a crucial role in documenting police actions, protest movements, and public sentiment, often livestreaming from the streets.

2. Filling Information Gaps: Citizen journalists can help fill gaps in traditional news coverage by offering localized insights or additional details that professional reporters may not have. For instance, during the 2018 California wildfires, local citizens posted on social media about road closures, missing persons, and evacuation routes, providing critical information that helped communities stay informed before news crews arrived.

3. Collaborative Reporting: Many news organizations have recognized the value of collaborative reporting with citizen journalists. Some outlets invite public participation by allowing readers to comment on stories, while others create databases of citizen reporters who can contribute to future news stories. This interaction between professional journalists and the public creates a richer, more inclusive news environment.

For example, The New York Times has often encouraged readers to submit their stories and photos during major weather events like hurricanes or snowstorms. These contributions offer broader geographic coverage and provide more personal accounts, making the overall reporting more comprehensive and relatable.

Challenges and Credibility Concerns

Despite the many advantages of citizen journalism, it does face criticism—especially regarding credibility and objectivity. Without formal training, some citizen journalists may lack the skills required to fact-check information or remain unbiased in their reporting. Additionally, in the rush to share breaking news, there is the risk of spreading misinformation.

A notable instance of this occurred during the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. In the immediate aftermath, social media was flooded with reports, some of which falsely identified suspects. While professional journalists worked to verify facts, the misinformation spread by some citizen reporters added confusion to an already chaotic situation.

While these credibility concerns are valid, it’s important to note that citizen journalists often provide critical, on-the-ground perspectives that professional journalists cannot. The key to harnessing the potential of citizen journalism is ensuring that their contributions are fact-checked and integrated responsibly into larger news narratives.

Conclusion

Citizen reporters have reshaped the modern news coverage, offering invaluable contributions through independent reporting, collaboration with news organizations, and crowdsourcing. Whether by filling information gaps or providing real-time eyewitness accounts, they offer fresh perspectives that enrich the news we consume. However, as the lines between professional and citizen journalism continue to blur, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between speed and accuracy, ensuring that all contributions to the news landscape are credible and trustworthy. While not without challenges, citizen journalism’s influence will undoubtedly continue to grow, providing a more inclusive, real-time view of the world.

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 9/20/2024 

1. Understanding Citizen Journalism - ThoughtCo 

2. Citizen Journalism: How to Empower People Through Reporting - letter 

3. Your Guide to Citizen Journalism - MediaShift 

4. The Rise of Citizen Journalism: Reporting on News and Events - Yellowbrick 

X and News Gathering

 

How the News Media Use X to Gather and Report News

image created by chatGPT

by John Fisher, PhD

In the fast-evolving world of social media, X (formerly known as Twitter) stands out as a crucial tool for news organizations. With its unique blend of real-time updates, massive user base, and rapid news-sharing capabilities, X has become more than just a platform for conversation—it’s a go-to destination for both newsgathering and reporting. Here’s how news media use X to stay ahead of the curve:

A Hub for News Consumption

X is widely regarded as more of a news destination than most other social media platforms. Many of its users in the United States log on specifically to get the latest updates. According to a Pew Research study, a significant number of X users cite news consumption as one of the key reasons they use the platform. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where entertainment and lifestyle content dominate, X provides a consistent stream of news updates, making it the ideal platform for staying informed.

Types of News Content

X offers a wide range of news-related content. From opinions on current events to humorous takes on trending topics, users can access a variety of perspectives on the day’s most important stories. One of the platform’s standout features is its ability to deliver real-time information on breaking news as it happens. Whether it’s live-tweeting from a political rally or sharing updates during a natural disaster, X allows users and journalists alike to keep up with events as they unfold.

For example, during the 2021 Capitol riots in Washington, D.C., journalists, politicians, and regular citizens used X to report the chaos in real-time. Within minutes, photos, videos, and updates flooded the platform, providing immediate insight into the unfolding crisis.

A Direct Line to Reliable Sources

While many social media platforms blur the line between news from verified outlets and personal updates from friends or influencers, X stands out in its emphasis on journalistic sources. A majority of Americans who regularly get their news from X are more likely to follow news outlets and journalists than they are to rely on advocacy groups, influencers, or friends and family for updates. This makes X a powerful tool for credible, up-to-the-minute reporting.

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts, journalists, and news outlets used X to share daily updates on case numbers, government policies, and health advice. The ease of sharing and re-sharing information made it possible for accurate, verified news to reach millions of people instantly.

Breaking News Advantage

One of X’s biggest strengths is its reputation for breaking news. X users are more likely than those on other platforms, like Facebook or TikTok, to encounter breaking news in real-time. Whether it's natural disasters, major political announcements, or celebrity news, the platform’s real-time nature allows users to see updates the moment they happen.

Take the case of the 2015 Paris terror attacks, where news and updates spread rapidly on X even before major news outlets had full reports. Journalists and citizens on the ground were able to share critical updates in real-time, providing a raw, immediate view of the events.

Is X the #1 Source for News?

While X holds a strong position as a primary source for news, especially in breaking news scenarios, its claim as the "number 1" social media source for news comes with some nuances. A 2023 study showed that 53% of X users regularly get news from the platform, making it one of the top sources of news across social media platforms. However, X's user base, with 500 million monthly active users and 245 million daily active users, is still smaller than platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Additionally, most X users are not exclusive to the platform—99.9% of X users also use other social media platforms to get their news, according to DataReportal’s 2023 data. This suggests that while X plays a key role in news consumption, many users also rely on other platforms to stay informed.

Conclusion

X’s impact on news media cannot be understated. As a primary source for breaking news, real-time updates, and credible journalism, it remains a leading platform in the world of news consumption. Whether it will continue to hold the top spot as the number one social media source for news is still up for debate, but its influence and ability to shape the news cycle are undeniable. As the media landscape continues to evolve, X will likely remain a cornerstone for both journalists and news consumers alike.

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 9/20/2024 

1. How X (Twitter) users experience news there and what they think | Pew ... 

2. 40 Twitter (X) stats to know in marketing in 2024 - Sprout Social 

3. Beyond the Rebrand: 10 Eye-Opening Twitter (X) Stats Every Social Media ... 

4. X (Formerly Twitter) User Age, Gender, & Demographic Stats (2024) 

5. X (formerly Twitter) - statistics & facts | Statista 

6. X, formerly Twitter, becomes No. 1 app on US App Store after news of ... 

7. Here’s what our research says about news audiences on Twitter, the ... 

8. X, formerly Twitter, to collect biometric and employment data - BBC 

9. How Mainstream Media Outlets Use Twitter - Pew Research Center 

10. X removes article headlines in latest platform update, widening a rift ... 

Social Media and Reporting News

How Social Media is Revolutionizing News: Real-Time Reporting and Engagement in the Digital Age

image by chatGPT

In today's fast-moving digital world, social media has transformed how news is gathered and reported. Gone are the days when journalists relied solely on traditional methods to cover breaking stories. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become vital tools for news organizations, offering real-time updates, user-generated content, and direct engagement with audiences. This new media landscape allows news to travel faster and farther than ever before, but it also presents unique challenges in verifying information and maintaining credibility. In this post, we’ll explore how news media use social media to gather, verify, engage with, and distribute the news, shaping the way we consume information in the digital age.

Newsgathering:

Real-time Updates: Journalists use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to monitor breaking news in real-time. For example, during a natural disaster or a political event, eyewitnesses often post photos, videos, or live updates, allowing journalists to react immediately. In 2020, when the Beirut explosion occurred, videos and posts on Twitter were among the first sources of information, which news outlets quickly picked up to report the incident.

User-Generated Content: Social media is a treasure trove of user-generated content (UGC) such as photos, videos, and firsthand reports. News organizations like CNN often encourage users to share their content through platforms like iReport, which was designed to collect stories directly from people on the ground. For instance, during the protests in Hong Kong in 2019, many photos and videos shared on Twitter and Instagram were used by news organizations, provided they were verified.

Verification:

Fact-Checking: Since social media is prone to misinformation, news outlets have developed rigorous fact-checking protocols to verify the authenticity of the content they source. Dedicated teams in organizations like BBC Monitoring or Reuters Fact Check sift through posts to ensure credibility before they report. For example, during the U.S. presidential elections, numerous claims surfaced on Twitter, which had to be checked for accuracy before inclusion in news reports.

Crowdsourcing: Journalists often crowdsource information on social media by asking users directly for more details or to corroborate information. For instance, during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, The Guardian set up live feeds asking social media users for updates from different locations in Japan to build a more complete picture of the event.

Engagement:

Interactive Reporting: Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok allow news outlets to interact directly with their audience through polls, live videos, and story features. For instance, The New York Times uses Instagram Stories to break down complex news topics in a simple, visual way, allowing users to respond with questions or opinions, which further informs the coverage.

Feedback and Trends: Social media platforms help news organizations keep a pulse on public opinion and trending topics. News editors at places like Buzzfeed or BBC News routinely analyze trends on platforms like Twitter’s trending topics or Reddit threads to shape their editorial focus, ensuring that they cover stories that resonate with the public.

Distribution:

Wide Reach: Social media amplifies the reach of news content. By using platforms like Facebook, YouTube, or TikTok, news organizations can reach a global audience. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, news outlets used Facebook Live and YouTube for global press conferences and updates, allowing millions of users worldwide to access the information in real time.

Multimedia Content: Social media supports various content formats, such as articles, videos, and infographics. This flexibility allows news organizations to tell stories in more engaging and accessible ways. For example, Vox Media is known for producing short, explanatory videos on topics ranging from politics to health, which they distribute across platforms like YouTube and Instagram to broaden their storytelling approach.

These strategies make social media a vital tool for modern journalism, ensuring news organizations remain timely, relevant, and connected with their audience.

Conclusion: As social media continues to evolve, its role in the news industry grows more complex. It has revolutionized how journalists gather information, engage with audiences, and distribute content, offering unprecedented speed and accessibility. However, this fast-paced environment also demands a careful balance between immediacy and accuracy. While platforms like Twitter and Instagram provide invaluable tools for newsgathering and reporting, the importance of verification and responsible journalism remains paramount. Ultimately, social media's influence on the news is undeniable, and its potential to shape public discourse and connect global audiences ensures it will remain a key part of journalism’s future.

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 9/20/2024 

1. How to Use Social Media For Newsgathering - NBCU Academy 

2. 4 new ways to use social media for newsgathering | Media news - journalism 

3. How and why do consumers access news on social media? 

4. Social Media and News Fact Sheet | Pew Research Center 

5. Social media as a news source - Wikipedia