Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

More documents

Recommendations

Info

4 Chapter Summary A key to effective relations between UNHCR and the media is knowing who is who in the national and international media as well as government information services. Public perceptions of the international assistance community’s response are established in the early days of an emergency. When fundamental principles of protection are at risk, the media can also provide valuable assistance to refugees. UNHCR provides information to the media and actively promotes media coverage. UNHCR staff must develop relationships with different types of media organisations. These range from national to international media services and may include newspaper, TV or documentary journalists. Developing a working relationship with the national information service in a country is also a critical component of media relations. Positive relations with the media depend not only on improving media skills but also on developing a pro-active approach to diversifying media contacts. Priorities should be established to promote media contacts that contribute to major goals. Upholding both UNHCR and media ground rules and policies and procedures should be part of the strategy. A well written news release can generate great interest and may even be used verbatim in media stories. All news releases for the press and broadcast media issued from Headquarters must be authorised and approved by the High Commissioner and the ‘Spokesperson.’ News releases issued in the field should be authorised and approved by the Representative. A large part of communication occurs through non-verbal messages so it is necessary to work on these as well as the words you are speaking. Characteristics of a good conversationalist also apply to presentation skills. Four keys to success in communication are being prepared, being comfortable, being committed and being interesting. Interviews with the media have to be handled properly to yield the best results. It is necessary to know the media you are dealing with, to prepare for the interview, to remain composed at all times, and to be honest, clear and direct. Video taping and feedback can help improve facilitation and problem solving skills. 65
EP 04 66 Managing External Relations Chapter 4 Self-Assessment Questions Check T or F to indicate whether a statement is True or False ■T ■F 1. The media is a traditional ally of UNHCR, and UNHCR actively promotes media coverage. ■T ■F 2. Your commitment to your message should be carefully hidden from those listening to you. ■T ■F 3. Statements related to joint government-UNHCR actions should be cleared with the government before they are released. ■T ■F 4. Arguing with media staff is the best way to get them to respect UNHCR’s ground rules. ■T ■F 5. ‘Off the record’ statements should be used when you have developed a good working relationship with a reporter Multiple choice. Mark ALL correct statements—more than one may apply. 6. To promote media relations, it is important to: ■A Recognise current perceptions of UNHCR and refugee situations in the media. ■B Develop social relationships with reporters ■C Know how to present information to the media. ■D Understand media agencies, their scope and procedures for coverage and extent of their influence. 7. Compared to newspaper interviews, statements for television and radio: ■A Require quotable answers, short and to the point ■B Should be made while staring directly into the camera ■C Can include long, involved explanations which can be edited out ■D Do not require any preparation 8. Reason (s) for cultivating relationships with national media are: ■A They may give early indication of sensitive issues and government policies ■B They report in local languages ■C They can have a profound effect on local opinions ■D All of the above
Page 1 and 2:
EP 04 04 UNHCR 04 UNHCR 04 UNHCR UN
Page 3 and 4:
Acknowledgments This course draws o
Page 5 and 6:
EP 04 iv Managing External Relation
Page 7 and 8:
EP 04 vi Managing External Relation
Page 9 and 10:
EP 04 viii Managing External Relati
Page 11 and 12:
2 Answers Unit 1 ■T ■F 15. Part
Page 13 and 14:
EP 04 4 Managing External Relations
Page 15 and 16:
Page 17 and 18:
Page 19 and 20:
EP 04 10 Managing External Relation
Page 21 and 22:
EP 04 12 Managing External Relation
Page 23 and 24: Chapter 14 1 Summary Trends in refu
Page 25 and 26: EP 04 16 Managing External Relation
Page 41 and 42: 32 2 Chapter Summary Facilitation s
Page 47 and 48: EP 04 ■ ■ 38 Managing External
Page 57 and 58: 48 3 Chapter Summary For external r
Page 65 and 66: EP 04 ■ 56 Managing External Rela
Page 73: EP 04 64 Managing External Relation
Page 79 and 80: EP 04 ■ 70 Managing External Rela
Page 109 and 110: EP 04 100 Managing External Relatio
Page 117: Disaster Management Center Universi
show all

Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?