Broadcasters' Role in Emergencies

Agenda

9 - 9:45 a.m. Registration and Breakfast

9:45 a.m. Welcome Remarks and Address by the Hon. Ajit Pai, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Panel Discussions

Reporting to You Live from the Storm Zone

We are all familiar with the scenes of meteorologists and reporters standing in the middle of raging winds and rain, but should they be standing there? When to send a journalist into the disaster area raises many questions that do not always have clear answers. Join our panelists as they discuss and debate how stations should make decisions to send reporters into the storm and how journalists should best serve their communities during crisis situations.

Panelists:

Moderator: Jennifer C. Thomas, media, journalism and film professor, Howard University

• Javier Cosme, Director of Content and News of WKAQ580, Univision Communications
• Kathleen Culver, journalism professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Kent Dunn, vice president/market manager, Beasley Media Group Tampa
• Stacey Woelfel, professional practice professor, University of Missouri School of Journalism

Remarks by the Hon. Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner, FCC

Resiliency: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Preparing a Newsroom Ahead of the Storm

Broadcasters cannot predict when the next weather emergency will threaten their area, but stations can, and do, prepare in advance for what to do when the unexpected happens. From what information to report, to how on-air talent will coordinate coverage and work with government officials and emergency personnel to where employees' families (and pets) will ride out the storm, hear station managers and a Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) representative discuss lessons learned from past disasters and debate best practices for future emergencies.

Panelists:

Moderator: Carlton Houston, assistant news director, WUSA9

• Manny Centeno, project manager, FEMA
• Debra Jordan, deputy chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC
• Mark Krieschen, market manager, Cox Media Group Houston
• Steve Pontius, executive vice president and general manager, Waterman Broadcasting Corp.