Broadcasters study disaster reporting

Samoa’s Quality Broadcasting and the Samoa government are undergoing training this month to help develop a National Broadcasters’ Climate and Disaster Resilience Plan.

The project will also provide training for their news teams on how to report on disasters and climate change.

The Disaster Management Office says the aim is for broadcasters to continue to share timely information to communities, especially during times of emergency, so people can prepare and respond accordingly.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community says it is a valuable initiative given the vulnerability to disasters and the important role media play in communicating timely and clear information and instructions.

The training is part of an initiative funded by the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme, in which broadcasters from eight Pacific island countries are to undergo training to develop systems to be used in times of emergencies.