Evolution of Media

Media Communications

• Media has evolved greatly since the printing press
• America's first continuously published newspaper was the Boston News-Letter
• The Boston News-Letter was first published on April 24, 1704
• The first radio news broadcast was in 1920
• There are now three general categories of media today: Print, Broadcast and Digital

Print media

• Print media are the oldest forms of media
• Newspapers, magazines, journals, and newsletters are forms of print media
• Readership has declined over the last few decades
• Print media remains influential, especially for those who are politically active
• Print media is responsible for more reporting than other news sources
• The New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times set the agenda for many other media sources

Broadcast media

• Broadcast media includes news reports via radio and television
• Television news is extremely important in the United States, as most Americans get their news from television broadcasts

Television News

• ABC, CBS, and NBC each have a news division with a nightly news show
• Cable news channels like CNN and MSNBC broadcast news around the clock
• Fox network news program has drawn numerous viewers

Radio News

• Radio is another form of broadcast media
• Before television, most Americans relied on radio
• Many people listen to radio news, especially during commutes
• Local news stations have a large audience because they report on local weather, traffic, and events

Talk Radio

• Talk radio has emerged as a major force since the 1980s
• Talk radio mixes interviews with political commentary and can be highly partisan
• Conservatives have a strong hold on American talk radio with commentators like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity

Digital Media

• Digital media describes content using electronic communication through computer technology
• Digital media describes content available on-demand through the Internet
• Content can be viewed on any device and allows people to interact/share with others
• Digital media includes blogs, social interaction sites, picture-based forums, and news websites
• Digital media is currently the major trend on how younger generations get information

Public Information Officer (PIO) Responsibilities

• PIOs communicate with the public, media, and other agencies regarding incident-related information
• PIOs develop and release information about incidents to the news media, incident personnel, and other agencies
• For complex incidents, a lead PIO may be assigned with assistants

PIO Basic Outline: Step 1: Gather Information

• Information is collected from the ICS Command and General Staff which is an ongoing source
• Information is collected from response agencies, media, calls from public/elected officials, and technical specialists

PIO Basic Outline: Step 2: Verify Information

• Accuracy of information is verified and ensured to be consistent

PIO Basic Outline: Step 3: Coordination of Information (Internal)

• Coordination includes:
  • Coordinating between General Staff, Supervisors, Chiefs etc.
  • Obtaining approval from authorities before information is disseminated

PIO Basic Outline: Step 4: Dissemination of Information (External)

• Information is disseminated to:
  • Outside general public,
  • Affected jurisdictions,
  • Community leaders,
  • Media,
  • Other impacted groups.

Methods of Dissemination

• The following media outlets can be used:
  • News releases
  • Blogs
  • Mass e-mails and faxes
  • Text messages
  • Website posting
  • Closed circuit cable
  • Fliers/fact sheets
  • Briefings
  • Community meetings

Public Information Officers

• PIOs are the messengers for government agencies, municipal departments, and large public institutions
• PIOs work continuously, during times of crisis or big news events
• PIOs often work extended hours

Information and its Release

• It is important for officers to know what information can and cannot be released to the media - this is their responsibility
• Department policy will dictate what can and cannot be released
• Agencies are governed by NRS on what information must be made public

Information Which MAY Be Released

• Name of investigating officer
• Inmate charges
• Bail amounts
• Name, age,
• Criminal record which reflects records of conviction only
• The generic 5 W’s
• Information concerning victims, witnesses, and suspects in accordance with NRS 179A

Information Which May NOT Be Released

• Details of a crime that may jeopardize the investigation
• Weapons used in a murder
• Whether or not a victim was sexually assaulted
• Names of victims of sexual assault
• Names of endangered witnesses
• Photos or video tapes of evidence
• Character or reputation of a defendant
• Existence or contents of a confession
• Opinions to evidence or merit of a case
• Specific tactics used in arrest
• Information known only to offender
• Specific results of scientific tests
• Plea bargain negotiations or offers
• Speculative information

Nevada Revised Statutes

• The NRSs which govern public information are:
  • NRS 239.010
  • 179A.070
  • 179A.090
  • 179A.100
  • 179A.110
  • 179A.120

Important reminders when speaking with the press

• Remember you are responsible for what you say!
• Do not lie to the media, and don't be afraid to say "I don't know," or "I can't answer that."
• Department policy will override anything discussed here about the release of public information