Abstract
Emergency managers and journalists share a goal of delivering vital information to the public in a disaster. Effectively achieving this goal requires that emergency managers and journalists work together. This study examines the discourse between emergency managers and journalists to identify communication challenges and to provide suggestions for improving the emergency manager–media relationship. Communication issues that can affect the relationship and inhibit collaboration include stereotypical judgments, a lack of trust, paradoxical challenges, and unrealistic expectations. Roles with which each is identified and their perceived affiliations to larger government and media structures contributed to a lack of trust. Findings suggest that when emergency managers and journalists are better informed about each others' professions, and when they develop stronger interpersonal relationships, the quality and timeliness of information delivered to the public improves.
Published Version
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