
Disasters and risks dominate the news when they occur or when they are imminent. However, the role of the media is not limited – nor should it be limited – to reporting when disasters are in progress. Media coverage is a powerful tool that can focus attention, set the agenda for public debate, influence political decisions, change public attitudes... and save lives.
The media shapes the public's perception of the risks posed by natural hazards. These perceptions in turn influence the set of strategies for mitigating future vulnerabilities in the form of taxes, opportunity costs, changes in lifestyle, among others.
The media is also a vital information channel between authorities and emergency services, on the one hand, and their audiences, on the other. They transmit information in both directions. Before a disaster, especially in the case of a natural hazard for which an alert is available, journalists transmit the alerts and other emergency information from the authorities to the population, thus reducing the risk. Journalists can sometimes reach disaster-affected areas even before emergency services. In these cases, their role in transmitting information about the situation on the ground becomes even more important.
DRR Media Network
for the Americas
and the Caribbean
______________
Including all sectors in Disaster Risk Reduction is a priority for the UNDRR Americas and Caribbean Regional Office. A Network of Journalists for Disaster Risk Reduction is in formation. Access the form to be part!
Disaster Risk
Reduction
Media HUB
______________
UNDRR has developed a series of tools for media professionals reporting on disasters and examples of resilience. Statistical data, expert contacts and monitoring tools can be found on the web. Access the website here.
La iniciativa MCR2030 es clave para apoyar a las ciudades en su camino hacia conseguir mayor resiliencia y promover una mayor coherencia para reducir el riesgo.
— UNDRR Américas y el Caribe (@UNDRR_Americas) June 17, 2022
Junto a @HeadUNDRR invitamos a todas las ciudades a unirse a esta iniciativa para no dejar a nadie atrás. pic.twitter.com/vBAV2ANC3G
🇧🇷#MCR2030 cities in action!
— UNDRR Américas y el Caribe (@UNDRR_Americas) June 17, 2022
As part of MCR2030´s mission in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis has applied the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities and expressed its commitment to build back better the city and update its #Local #DRR #Plan. pic.twitter.com/R0vULXiWb3
📢 The Youth Forum “My Island, My Voice”, which is taking place now in the framework of the Caribbean Safe School Initiative, is a place where the youth are sharing their priorities and initiatives to prepare for the Third Ministerial Meeting to take place from 28 to 30 June. pic.twitter.com/W4EdVDqiFM
— UNDRR Américas y el Caribe (@UNDRR_Americas) June 10, 2022
Today I met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs @RichardJRand. We discussed Madagascar's commitment to #DRR and the importance of reporting against the #SendaiFramework and the #SDGs.
— Mami Mizutori (@HeadUNDRR) June 20, 2022
Tomorrow, I will visit the areas affected by drought and cyclones in the South of the country. pic.twitter.com/USqFLTclGc