NATIONAL MEDIA PLAN FOR DISASTERS AND ... - ODPEM

NATIONAL MEDIA
PLAN
FOR DISASTERS
AND EMERGENCIES
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1. Introduction --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
1.1 The Jamaican Media Environment --------------------------------------------------------------------------3
2.0 Authority--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
3.0 Concept of Operations----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
PART ONE
3.1 The National Media Center----------------------------------------------------5
3.2
Objectives of the National Media Center-------------------------------------------5
3.3 The roles and functions of the National Media Center
4.0 Procedures for the activation of the National Media Center-------------7
5.0 3.5 The location of the National Media Center---------------------------------------6
3.4 Who reports to the National Media Center---------------------------------------6
1.0 Procedures for handling the media within the Office of Disaster Preparedness
and Emergency Management ----------------------------------------------------------------------------10
5.1 News Releases----------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
5.2 Articles for publication--------------------------------------------------------------------11
5.3 News or Press Conferences-------------------------------------------------------------12
5.4 Press or Media kits-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------12
6.0 Conclusion-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
7.0 Appendices-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
• Tips for interviewees
• Tips for handling television interviews
• Example of a News release
• Example of a Media advisory
• National Media Contact List
2

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL MEDIA PLAN
The island of Jamaica faces the threat from rapid onset events, such as earthquakes,
accidents, oil spills and other forms of emergencies. Though the frequency of experience
of these hazards have been relatively low, Hurricane Gilbert, the 1907, 1957 and the 1993
earthquakes are indications of their reality and the fact that they can happen at any time
These forms of disasters can cause serious dislocation and suffering and can also pose a
setback to the Country economically. It is therefore prudent that a National Plan be
developed which incorporates a system of coordinated notification and warning by the
media working in close collaboration with the National Disaster Organization, otherwise
called the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). In
this document the term media is defined as the means or vehicle by which information is
conveyed to mass or target audience. They are usually referred to as the print media –
newspapers and magazines and the electronic media – television and radio. The process
must therefore include information and education disseminated before a threat, the
information disseminated in response to the threat and the monitoring of the rehabilitation
and reconstruction efforts by the media.
Media Planning is therefore critical as there must be a coordinated system of how
emergency events are handled by all stakeholders. The experience of Hurricane Michelle
and the May-June 2002 Flood rains highlights the need for a coordinated National Media
Plan in responding to these events.
The Jamaican Media Environment
Of great importance to how the media operates, is the realization that the media in the
Caribbean are now significantly run as businesses within the context of a very competitive
environment and their struggle to survive. Today the media landscape in Jamaica is thickly
dotted with three national daily newspapers, several community and regional papers,
thirteen radio channels, three television broadcast channels and dozens of imported cable
channels, as well as magazine and book publishers. The government recently privatized its
radio and television holdings and has never owned newspapers. So the media is today
completely under private commercial control except that the government information
services use legally reserved time and space in the private media. This mode of operation
has caused a movement away from a coordinated and consistent representation of social
issues and values, to the mass media presenting issues of the market place to survive.
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The most significant issues facing the media as it relates to disasters is the commitment of
the media in presenting disaster management issues in a coordinated and consistent
manner. The boundary between sensationalism and accurate reporting is critical to disaster
management. In Jamaica there is often the idea that the media tend to sensationalize
hazard/disaster information and whether they devote enough time to pre-disaster
preparedness and early warning. In relation to disasters, it is expected that the media will
provide ongoing news about the incident, relate actions by the response agencies, provide
warnings and reduce panic and act as communication channels imparting information on
response issues, shelter, food, search and rescue, evacuation among others.
The ODPEM, being a Statutory Organization, faces financial restrictions, and is therefore
restricted in the ability to pay for time in the print and electronic media to highlight disaster
management information. Through this National Media Plan, it is therefore expected that
representatives of the media fraternity will support the ODPEM in our mandate towards
effective alerting, notification and warning in the event of a disaster and or emergency.
2.0 AUTHORITY
The ODPEM will be responsible for all preparedness, response and relief activities for the
island as mandated under the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Act
(1993). The ODPEM will therefore facilitate the design and review of this plan. This Plan
will there be a sub plan of the National Disaster Plan and will be adopted as such.
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3.0 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
This National Media Plan will be divided into two sections. Part One will deal with the
processing of information for slow onset hazards and events which do not totally disrupt
and isolate sections of the island inhibiting the normal flow of information through the
various media. Specific attention will be given to procedures, which address slow onset
events and Earthquakes below a category four. Part two of this plan will address rapid
onset events such as earthquakes of a category five and greater, extreme flood events and
land slippages, which have the ability to isolate communities, and sections of the island. It
is a known fact that in major or extreme events the public is still relying on accurate
information from reliable sources via the media. As in part one information will include
possible health risks, blocked and flooded roads and on the relief and rehabilitation
process.
This Plan will rely heavily on the activation of National and Parish Emergency Operations
Centers as dictated by the National Disaster Plan. The National Emergency Operations
Center (NEOC) is the hub of operations for coordinating response at the National level. It
is where multi agency representatives gather to respond to the emergency needs of the
public. These agencies will take appropriate decisions for the alleviation of crisis. These
decisions are then transferred to the Media who will then communicate this information to
the various publics. Activities are coordinated at the Parish level in this same manner.
Multi agency representatives from within the impacted Parishes will come together to pool
thoughts and ideas and response to the emergency needs of the community. These
persons will then take timely, efficient and appropriate decisions for the alleviation of crisis
situations. The aim here is to relieve chaos, save lives, property and protect the economy.
Decisions taken are then filtered to the NEOC and then chanelled to the media from the
media room, which is an integral part of the NEOCs operations. The media room as
referred to here, will be called the National Media Center in this Plan.
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PART ONE
3.1 THE NATIONAL MEDIA CENTER
The National Media Center is the designated place from which information pertaining to a
disaster event is managed and disseminated to the public. It is the area where media
representatives from local and international media organizations gather to collect
information about the disaster event from key stakeholders and government members for
ease of dissemination to the public. This National Media Center is a special room, which
is provided for the reception and needs of the media. It is in this room that media Briefs
will take Place, news releases will be prepared and general public information
disseminated.
3.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA CENTER
1. To ensure speedy alert and warning on an upcoming hazard.
2. To provide an efficient and coordinated transfer of information on an emergency
event, from a central location to the public by utilizing available media.
3. To reduce rumours and relieve chaos through the timely delivery of Public Service
Announcements and Notices on pertinent matters that may arise on a disaster or
emergency event.
4. To ensure that information disseminated is available from one credible source.
3.3 THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA CENTER
1. To ensure smooth information flow between the National Emergency Operations
Center and the Media.
2. To disseminate public information on risk, warning and preparedness for the
disaster or emergency event.
3. To maintain an up-to-date contact list of media personnel and resources that may
be needed during an emergency event for ease of accessibility.
4. To present disaster activities which are actioned and are to be actioned to the
public’s attention.
5. To notify the public of potential problems, threats to public safety and of the
appropriate safety procedures as they relate to the emergency or disaster situation at
hand.
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4. PROCEDURES FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA
CENTER
_______________________________________________________________________
The Director General of the ODPEM will activate the National Media Center. The
Director of Operations for the National Media Center is the Director of Information &
Training from the ODPEM who will monitor all issues as it relates to the staffing and
operations of the media center.
4.1 THE LOCATION OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA CENTER
Where the National Media Center is physically located will be dependent on whether there
is Partial or Full activation. Full activation implies severity of the incident. In the case of a
Full activation the Media Center will be located at the Office of the Prime Minister Press
Room. This facility will be able to house at least forty representatives at any one time. In
the case of partial activation, the Organization’s Information Officers will disseminate
information out of the ODPEM’s Emergency Operations Center.
4.2 PROCEDURES FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE
NATIONAL MEDIA CENTER
PARTIAL ACTIVATION
Before a disaster
The National Media Center must be partially activated at least seventy two (72) hours or
three days before impact of an event, such as a Tropical Storm or a Hurricane. At this
stage the hazard might be in the general vicinity of the island, it may be several hundred
miles away, but it might appear to be headed in our general direction. It can at this point
change course and go elsewhere. At this stage staff members will operate the National
Media Center from the offices of the ODPEM.
• Activities
The general public is immediately notified of any form of organized activity, which may be
a threat to public safety, life or livelihood. There is continuous monitoring of the threat
and the JIS is also notified by the Director of Operations of the Media Center.
FULL ACTIVATION
During a Hurricane Watch or Warning
This occurs when the Hurricane is thirty six to twenty four (36-24) hours away from the
island and is expected to make landfall. There is still the likelihood at this stage that the
system might change course and go elsewhere. The National Media Center is fully
ly
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activated. Representatives now begin to act on a twenty-four hour shift system as drafted
by the ODPEM.
• Activities
Press Briefings are organized as the information becomes relevant and needed. Briefs are
also prepared for the NEOC Director and the Executive. Information is sourced through
liaising with the NEOC. Please note that information at this stage should include Shelter
procedures, evacuation routes, and precautionary tips.
During and after a Disaster - an Earthquake
The National Media Center remains fully activated. All activities continue as during 3.6
with timely news releases, press briefings and media interviews with relevant stakeholders.
Please note that this also applies to the impact of an Earthquake and is dependent on the
severity of the event. In this case notification messages would include possible health risks,
blocked and flooded roads and on the relief and rehabilitation process. Depending on the
extent of the damage, town criers will be utilized from the JIS in advising persons on safety
procedures and precautions.
4.3 WHO REPORTS TO THE NATIONAL MEDIA CENTER
Persons who staff the National Media Center will do so on a 24 hour shift basis. The
National Media Center will comprise of:
1. Two representatives from the Government Information Agency known as the
Jamaica Information Service.
2. Local and International representatives from the print, radio and television
organizations. In the case of television, allowances will have to be made for two
persons to include a technician.
3. Information Officers from response Agencies such as the Ministry of Health, the
National Works Agency, the Jamaica Fire Brigade the Meteorological Service, the
Jamaica Constabulary Force and the National Environment and Planning Agency.
ODPEM STAFF
• An Information Officer from the ODPEM who will have prime responsibility to
collect, organize and manage the flow of information from the NEOC to the
National Media Center. He/she must be resident at all times.
• A Secretary or Clerical Officer from the ODPEM/JIS.
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4.3 ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF KEY PERSONNEL DURING THE
RESPONSE PHASE OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY
OPERATIONS CENTER
In all cases representatives who are expected to form part of the National Media Center
should be briefed and informed as to whether they will be required to be available at the
Center. . All persons and individuals who staff the NEOC and the media will be issued with
passes to indicate their ability to access the area.
1. The Information Officer – ODPEM Representative
1. Liaises and consults with the NEOC Director to keep informed of local situations
about which the public should be provided information and advice.
2. Monitors situation reports and links with Agency Representatives in the NEOC to
keep abreast of all matters as they relate to the event at hand.
3. Prepares brief for the NEOC Director and Members of the Executive.
4. Collect information from the Operations room and prepares News Releases and
Advisories for the Public to include relevant and required information.
5. Answers media queries via telephone and schedules media interviews as requested
6. Provides timely information to the Media Houses as represented in the National
Media Center or otherwise.
7. Schedules periodic Press Conferences with Key Stakeholders for the media and
general public to keep them informed of the situation.
8. Monitors Media Broadcasts to ensure that information disseminated is correct and
employs the necessary skills to correct inaccuracies.
2. Representatives from the Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
1. Ensures that information is accurately represented on the government plans as
it relates to managing the disaster event.
2. Prepares the relevant News Releases and advisories with information supplied
from the NEOC as required by the JIS.
3. Seek out strategies to ensure timely delivery of information on the electronic
media.
4. Prepares Brief for the Chief Executive Officer of the JIS.
5. Monitors Media Broadcasts.
3. Response Agency’s Information Officers
1. Ensures that information on an action carried out by a particular agency is available
in the National Media Center.
2. Verifies information with the respective Head Office and ensures that information
supplied is accurate.
3. Communicates issues to the Information Officer -ODPEM for presentation in
Briefs and News Releases where necessary.
4. Monitors Media Broadcasts.
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4. Media Responsibility
The main responsibility of the media as it relates to handling disasters and emergency
events, is to provide the local and international media with accurate and timely information
on the potential of a disaster and if impacted, its impact. It is extremely important that the
media understand that they are an important link in the dissemination of information
designed to save lives and protect livelihood.
At the basic level the media is expected to:
1. Have designated times to update the public on the disaster or emergency event and
ensure that this information is disseminated in a timely and consistent manner until
the passage of the threat.
2. Ensure that a link is maintained between the National Media Center/ODPEM to
enhance the broadcasting of accurate information.
3. Have a Contingency Plan in place should the Media House be disrupted and is
unable to broadcast from that location.
4. Ensure that the Emergency tone is used when broadcasting emergency messages.
5. Broadcast information which have been verified as factual during an emergency.
5 Secretary or Clerical Officer
1. Typing and filing of information as required by the Information Officer
2. Assist with the operational and clerical needs of the National Media Center
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5.0 PROCEDURES FOR THE DESSEMINATION OF
INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL MEDIA CENTER
During Partial Activation (See procedures for handling the Media within the ODPEM at
4. -)
During FULL ACTIVATION
News Releases are prepared by the Information Officer on Duty, and verified with the
relevant Agencies. A draft released is then passed to the Director of Operations and the
NEOC, in that order, before it may be released to the public. The information is then
immediately sent to all Media houses, International Agencies, Response/Partner Agencies
and the Office of the Prime Minister. Media Interviews are also organized with the
relevant stakeholders. Town Cries to vulnerable communities are also organized.
5.1 Media Briefings
Briefings for the media are arranged every two hours, with the Prime Minister or relevant
Disaster and Agency representatives.
5.2 Tours of Damaged Areas
Where damaged areas are inaccessible by road, access by helicopter will be arranged, when
possible, for selected media personnel. Please note that space in the helicopter might be
limited therefore only videographers might be allowed.
6.0 DEACTIVATION OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA CENTER
The Director General of the ODPEM will deactivate the National Media Center. This will
automatically follow the deactivation of the National Emergency Operations Center.
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PART TWO
National Plan for Emergencies and Disasters, which overwhelm Infrastructure, Roads,
Agriculture and Housing
It must be clearly understood that the activation of the National Emergency Operations
Center (NEOC) is automatically followed by the activation of the Parish Emergency
Operations Center, located at each Parish Council Office. In Part One the National
Disaster Plan demands that each Parish Center would channel information on impact into
the National Emergency Operations Center, who will then send the information to the
Media via the National Media Center. However, for disaster events as mentioned above,
this process might not be possible as it is naturally expected that for such emergencies,
telecommunications and the road network might be severely impacted and the processing
of information as outlined in Part one might be impeded or be virtually impossible.
This section of the Plan therefore calls for an independent release of information on the
disaster or emergency situation at hand as it becomes necessary and as demanded by the
information needs of the public. The Public Information Officer assigned at each Parish
Council Office will release this information.
Depending on the situation at hand and the extent of the damage, town criers will be
utilized from the JIS in advising persons on safety procedures and precautions.
Existing Systems in each Parish to facilitate effective communication
Heavy reliance will be placed on the existing systems that are provided by the Jamaica
Information Service (JIS), who are an integral part of the National Disaster Plan. The
presence of Regional/Branch JIS Offices complements this Plan. In the eventuality that
there are blocked roads, systems are already existent to facilitate public broadcasts.
The Parish Emergency Operations Center is organized in a similar manner as the National
Emergency Operations Center. This means that the information officer charged with the
responsibility to organize and disseminate information particular to the disaster event, will
send out the information to the Regional Offices of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS),
local cable stations and to radio stations in that particular area (see Appendix ---). It must
be clearly noted, however that where contact can be made with the National Emergency
Operations Center, the information must be channeled to that Center as outlined in Part
One.
Procedures for the Dissemination of Information from the Parish Emergency Operations
Center
1. All information relevant to the disaster event must be passed to the Public
information officer on duty.
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2. News Releases are prepared by the Information Officer, and verified with the
relevant Agencies. A draft release is then passed to the Director of Operations of
the Parish Emergency Operations Center before it may be released to the public.
The information is then immediately sent to the Jamaica Information Service’s
Regional Office for dissemination.
3. Periodic Press Conferences are also organized with the Mayor of the Parish and
other Disaster/ Agency Officials based on the information that must be presented
to the public.
4. Media Interviews are also organized with the relevant stakeholders.
5. Town Criers to vulnerable communities are organized.
6.0 CONCLUSION
This National Media Plan has been developed to serve as a guide as to the treatment,
handling and dissemination of information before, during and after an emergency. While
usage is encouraged, it may be adjusted to suit a variety of situations, as one is not certain as
to the nature or presentation of many emergency events.
This Plan is in no way an attempt to restrict or reduce the information, which is made
available to the media but to ensure that it is delivered in a structured and organized
manner. During disasters and emergencies, chaos and panic are often unavoidable
especially in a society where the frequency of disaster events is often limited. Disasters and
Emergencies can be unusual, startling and often very harmful. The response of the media
can therefore be very dramatic and will require a departure from normal routine activities.
The idea is to give structure to the information delivery process.
This Plan has been written with a heavy reliance on post disaster/emergency impact. It
must however be remembered that there are other important phases of disaster events.
These can be grouped into five phases for the purpose of public information:
1. Pre disaster hazard mitigation and preparedness
2. Pre disaster hazard prediction and warning
3. Disaster impact
4. Post impact emergency response
5. Long term rehabilitation and reconstruction
An informed media is critical to the action, which is taken at each phase. There is in fact
public recognition of the constructive and necessary role of the media in imparting disaster
information. Reference must be made to the Broadcasting and redifusion Act which
makes specific reference to Broadcast houses halting there normal routine to facilitate the
Broadcast of Emergency Information. (See ----) The Broadcast media are therefore key in
disseminating warnings and stimulating reactions that will save lives.
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APPENDICES
FORMULATION OF NEWS RELEASES
1. The Information Officer on Duty drafts the Release.
2. The Director General or the Deputy Director General and the Duty Officer then
review the Release.
3. Corrections and or amendments are then done
4. It is then returned to the Approving Officer, who signs and states that it is now ready
for dissemination to the Public. (The Approving Officer in all cases is the Director
General, in instances where she is not available then the Deputy Director General and
or the Duty Officer will approve).
5. The Release is then disseminated to the Relevant Agencies as Listed in Appendix one.
6. Verification that the relevant media houses have received it is then done.
7. The News Release is then filed in the News Release File.
4.9 NEWS OR PRESS CONFERENCES
When a news release or media inquiry is inadequate for handling important news, then a
Press Conference must be called. Speaker/s must be available to provide media persons
and reporters with ‘hard’ and or factual information. Media persons will have the
opportunity to clarify and or expand announcements made by spokespersons, which would
ensure that coverage is more accurate and complete.
5.0 PRESS OR MEDIA KITS
Press or Media Kits must be used every time there is a news conference, or at any other
event which brings out media coverage. It must include details on the Speaker/s,
background on the reason for the event and any other illustrative material and artwork that
will make plain the purposes of the Conference or the event.
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7.0 APPENDICES
7.1 TIPS FOR INTERVIEWEES
Some people, such as politicians, have considerable experience in dealing with the media
and have little problem providing interviews and briefings. Most groups that will be
approached during times of crises (e.g. scientists, NGO representatives, the police, health
officer and members of the emergency services) may not be as experienced with the
media and may find being interviewed difficult and intimidating.
Here are some tips to help you cope with an interview:
Always have your basic message prepared beforehand. Practice it aloud if
necessary, so that it is delivered in a confident manner.
Make it short and interesting, using words that will show confidence and control
over the situation (such as “definitely”, “absolutely” and “certainly”).
Whatever you are asked, move the question towards your basic message (e.g.
“This is important but the main point to remember is not to enter the evacuated
zone”).
Repeat it if necessary, so you are sure it gets through (e.g. “This zone is definitely
unsafe. It is really dangerous. People should not enter it under any
circumstances.”)
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If your interview is pre-recorded, your message may later be edited into a short
“sound-bite” (usually 10-15 seconds) for news items. Try to keep your answers
short and concise.
Avoid chains of reasoning. Go directly to the point and make sure you get your
basic message across.
General Tips
If possible, choose a familiar location for the interview.
If you have to go to a studio, arrive some 10-15 minutes before the interview.
This will give you time to settle down.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Nervousness can cause perspiration, so use light and airy clothes and pale shirt
colours.
Take deep breaths before the interview and try to relax.
Avoid extending vocals (“aahm” or “eeehh”) because these can suggest doubt.
Sweets to suck on (e.g. boiled sweets or mints) can help to settle your stomach
and prevent coughing.
If you have a cold or sinus problems, avoid milk and diary products shortly before
an interview.
7.2 TELEVISION TIPS
Look at the interviewer, not at the camera and maintain eye contact.
Transmit a message with you clothes: Dress formally to communicate concern
and a sense of urgency. Dress more casually as the emergency receded.
In front of a camera, try not to move about too much (even if you are moving only
your legs or feet). Movement implies nervousness and you may also shift out of
focus. If you are sitting in a studio, ask for a stable, non-rotating chair.
4.7 PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING THE MEDIA WITHIN THE
OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
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MEDIA GUIDELINES
1. All media inquiries must be routed to Director – Information & Training and or
the Information Officer on duty.
2. The Director General must be informed of all media requests for information and
Interviews
3. The organization has two named spokespersons on policy issues and official
positions – the Director General and Deputy. In cases where other representatives
from the organization will be required to make statements, the Director General
will make the necessary recommendations.
4. During non-emergency times when information is requested on general matters/
activities, the Director – Information & Training is authorized to provide such
information after consultation with the Director General.
5. The Director General in collaboration with Director – Information & Training will
make arrangements to have any Senior Director cognizant in the field of query to
call back the inquirer with a full response. All such statements will be from a
written text, which has been vetted by the Director General.
6. During emergency incidents/ disasters, the Director – Information & Training or
Duty Officer is authorized to provide a news release to the media once the
information has been verified and approved by Duty Officer/ National Emergency
Operations Centre (NEOC) Director and the Director General.
7. During emergency incidents/ disasters, news releases shall be sent out at least once
every three hours or as information on changes in the situation or new
developments become available.
8. Information and Training is to be notified via the media inquiry form as to how
media queries were dealt with and that form will be filed for future reference.
9. In responding to inquiries all Senior Directors should be cognizant of the fact that
there are no off-the
the-record
responses and that their answers must be compatible
with the organization’s positions and policies.
10. The Director – Information & Training shall maintain an ongoing relationship with
media personnel i.e. media list, contact names, etc.
11. Inquiries will often deal with sensitive matters which for whatever reasons cannot be
answered. In such cases the following responses should be given:
a. Don’t be afraid to respond, “I cannot answer that”.
b. If the questioner is insistent, respond, “I cannot answer that because I do
not know”, or “I cannot answer that at this time”.
18

c. Avoid the cliché response of “No comment”. It infuriates the media and
when published or broadcasted, sounds as if there is something to hide.
12. During an emergency, all media queries are to be referred to the Information
Officer on Duty and or the Director of Information and Training.
13. If a live interview is requested and the Director General/ Deputy Director General
is not available and cannot be contacted, the media is to be told that arrangements
will be made for the interview and they will be contacted.
14. All requests for information/ reports from the National Disaster Executive/
Embassies/ Mission is to be passed to the Director General.
15. All Press Inquiries must be replied within fifteen minutes of receiving the calls.
4.8 FORMULATION OF NEWS RELEASES
8. The Information Officer on Duty drafts the Release.
9. The Director General or the Deputy Director General and the Duty Officer then
review the Release.
10. Corrections and or amendments are then done
11. It is then returned to the Approving Officer, who signs and states that it is now ready
for dissemination to the Public. (The Approving Officer in all cases is the Director
General, in instances where she is not available then the Deputy Director General and
or the Duty Officer will approve).
12. The Release is then disseminated to the Relevant Agencies as Listed in Appendix one.
13. Verification that the relevant media houses have received it is then done.
14. The News Release is then filed in the News Release File.
4.8 ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION
All technical articles are to be reviewed by at least two persons in-house. Articles should be
given to the Director General or reviewed at least five working days before publication.
For areas in which no technical expertise is available internally, the article should be
handed to the relevant technical Agency for review and comments.
4.9 NEWS OR PRESS CONFERENCES
When a news release or media inquiry is inadequate for handling important news, then a
Press Conference must be called. Speaker/s must be available to provide media persons
and reporters with ‘hard’ and or factual information. Media persons will have the
opportunity to clarify and or expand announcements made by spokespersons, which would
ensure that coverage is more accurate and complete.
5.0 PRESS OR MEDIA KITS
Press or Media Kits must be used every time there is a news conference, or at any other
event which brings out media coverage. It must include details on the Speaker/s,
19

ackground on the reason for the event and any other illustrative material and artwork
that will make plain the purposes of the Conference or the event.
14.3.1 EXAMPLE OF A NEWS RELEASE
OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
TO: A L L M E D I A H O U S E S
FROM: Nadene Newsome
DEPT: Information & Training
PHONE: (876) 928-5111-4 FAX: (876) 928-5503/ 928-8763
WEBSITE: www.odpem.org.jm
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NEWS RELEASE
ISSUED ON:
December 10, 2003 at 10:00 a.m.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is
reporting that the Road in Friendship Gap, St Mary is currently blocked arising
from the heavy rainfall, which affected the island yesterday. The alternate route is
through Rock River. Motorists are being asked to exercise caution when using the
Junction Main Road as the road is subject to sudden landslides and rock falls.
The National Works Agency (NWA) has been notified and is currently on route to
effect clearance.
-END-
7.4 EXAMPLE OF A MEDIA ADVISORY
OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
TO: A L L M E D I A H O U S E S
FROM: Nadene Newsome
DEPT: Information & Training
PHONE: (876) 928-5111-4 FAX: (876) 928-5503/ 928-8763
WEBSITE: www.odpem.org.jm
MEDIA ADVISORY
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ISSUED ON:
October 8, 2002 at 10:00a.m.
WHO:
WHAT:
WHEN:
WHERE:
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency
Management (ODPEM) invites you to a
PRESS CONFERENCE
on Wednesday, October 9, 2002 at 10:00 a.m.
ODPEM’s Conference Room, 12 Camp Road
TOPICS FOR PRESENTATION:
• Update on the Rising waters in St Elizabeth
• Parish Updates
• The Relief Management Procedures
22

Licensed Subscriber Television Companies & Zones
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Abacus Communications Limited
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Tel: 960-6847-8
Fax: none
Chief Executive Officer:
Lt. Col S.E. Thompson
Beason Communications Limited
Waterworks Frankfield P.O. Clarendon
Tel: 904-4185
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Ansel Beason
Bogle and Bogle Cable Network
Yallahs P.O., St. Thomas
Tel: 982-5174
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Maurice Bogle
Cable Home Entertainment Company Limited
47 Mannings Hills Road Kingston 8
Tel: 726-4283 / 7001835 / 943-1145
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Winston Hunter
Central Communication Services Limited
P.O. Box 211, Browns Town St. Ann
Tel: 973-5746
Fax: 975-9697
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Wendell Marsh
First Choice Cable Services Limited
ZONES
Kingston & St. Andrew: Stony
Hill, Constant Spring
Clarendon: Frankfield
St. Thomas: Yallahs
St. Mary: Mason Hall,
Oracabessa
St. Ann: Discovery Bay
St. Thomas: Trinityville
Trinityville P.O. St. Thomas
Tel: 703-0213
23

Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Patrick Wray
Guthrie's Communications Limited
P.O. Box 5211 Cambridge, St. James
Tel: 605-3837
Fax: 605-3836
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Mark Guthrie
Inntech Communications Limited
St.James: Anchovy,
Cambridge
Portland: Buff Bay
Buff Bay, Portland
Tel: 996-1862/996-1341
Fax:
collin_i@hotmail.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Colin Innis
I.T.E.C. Company Limited
Green Island, Hanover
Tel: 957-6049
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Willard Kinlocke
Marimaxx Communication Limited
Hanover: Green Island
St. Elizabeth: Black River
13 North Street, Black River
Tel: 965-9190
Fax:
cnsnet@cwjamaica.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mrs. Viannie Bedward-Morgan
Mattview Cable Electronics Limited
Shop 4, 45 King Street, Linstead, St. Catherine
Tel: 985-2373
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Lyndon Taylor
St. Catherine: Bog Walk,
Linstead
24

Matrix Entertainment & Communications Co.
Ltd.
Main Street, Hopewell P.O. Hanover
Tel: 609-4737
Fax: 609-4736
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Martin Maginley
Modern Rebroadcasting Company Limited
Wakefield, Wakefield P.O., Trelawny
Tel: 610-3920
Fax: 610-2801
Mr. Stanley Clarke
N5 Systems Systems Limited (Wireless)
19 Windsor Avenue, Kingston 5
Tel: 978-3739
Fax:
n5@n5.com
President:
Barrington Raglan
Oliver Electronics Engineering Limited
12 Tachyon Avenue Surrey Meadows, St.
Catherine
Tel: 998-7214/802-6404
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Oliver Demontagnac
North Eastern Satellite Limited
2 Rivers Lane, Mannings Plaza, Port Maria
Tel: 994-9574 / 994-2202 / 960-8423
Fax:
nessltd@cwjamaica.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Archie Williams
Northern Cable and Communication Network
Limited
St.James: Reading
Trelawny: Wakefield, Barrett
Town, Sommerton
Kingston & St. Andrew:
Islandwide
St. Catherine: Caymanas
Park, Independence City,
Passage Fort
St. Mary: Highgate East,
Highgate West, Richmond
St. Mary: Retreat, Breadnut
Hill, Ocho Rios, Bamboo
5 Evelyn Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann
25

Tel: 974-8397 / 972-1873
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Philmore McCarthy
Newview Cable Company Limited
Shop 12, Legister and Sons Plaza, Santa Cruz
P.O., St. Elizabeth
Tel: 966-4123-4 / 906-9442
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Melvin Newell
Mega International Co. Jamaica Limited
29-31 Caledonia Road, Shop 2 Caledonia Court
Mandeville, Manchester
Tel: 961-3637-8
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Clifford Ashmeade
Logic One Limited
Shop 9, Main Plaza, 83 1/2 Red Hills Road,
Kingston 10
Tel: 931-2445/941-8079
Fax:
logictv@cwjamaica.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Mario Francis
Jamaica Cablevision Limited
P.O. Box 692, Kingston 8
Tel: 984-5417/907-1349
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Christopher Yapp
Jamaica Amalgamated Cable Systems
8 D Portmore Mall, Portmore
Tel: 988-5733/4987
Fax:
rerrol@hotmail.com
St. Elizabeth: Santa Cruz
Manchester: Christiana,
Mandeville East, Mandeville
West
Kingston & St. Andrew:
Grants Pen, Eastwood Park
Gardens
St. Catherine: Bernard Lodge,
Horizon Park, Willowdene
St. Catherine: Hellshire,
Bernard Lodge, Horizon Park,
Willowdene
26

Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Jose Desousa
IZIT Properties Limited T/A Coral Seas Cable
Hanover: Green Island, Negril
c/o Coral Seas Plaza, Negril Square Box 91,
Negril
Tel: 957-3690 / 957-4388
Fax:
coralseas@hotmail.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mrs. Doris Allen
General Satellite Network Company Limited
28 Main Street, May Pen, Clarendon
Tel: 902-6412
Fax: 986-1269
gensat@n5.com.jm
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Trevor Witter
Entertainment Systems Limited
97 Hope Rd., Kingston 6
Tel: 978-3972/978-0988
Fax: 978-4523
cableguys@cwjamaica.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Stephen Chung
D and L Cable and Satellite Network Limited
68 Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10
Tel: 906-8178-80
Fax:
dedicatedtoserve@hotmail.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Leeford Grant
CTL Limited
2 Retreat Drive, Retreat Plaza, Bull P.O., St.
Andrew
Tel: 750-1234-5
Clarendon: Palmer’s Cross,
May Pen East, May Pen North
Kingston & St. Andrew:
August Town, Mona, Hope
Tavern, Hope Pastures
Kingston & St. Andrew:
Kencot, Whitfield Town,
Greenwich Town
Kingston & St. Andrew:
Harbour View,Seven Miles,
Bull Bay
27

Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Carlton Cummings
Cornwall Communications Limited
Centre Point Plaza, Shop #12 2 Union Street,
Montego Bay
Tel: 952-1889
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Roxroy Sinclair
Communicable Limited
Shop #2 Communicable Centre P.O. Box 20,
Grange Hill Westmoreland
Tel: 955-1288
Fax:
cojack@cwjamaica.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Roy Lawrence
Combined Communications Limited
31 Anthony Avenue, Marlie Mount Old Harbour
P.O.
Tel: 983-9845/9846
Fax:
colinosully@hotmail.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Colin O-Sullivan
Charlemont Community Cable Company
Limited
Trelawny: Falmouth
Westmoreland: Grange Hill,
Frome, Locust Tree
St. Catherine: Gutters, Old
Harbour
St. Catherine: Ewarton
Shop #4, 45 King Street, Linstead P.O. St.
Catherine
Tel: 903-4714 / 903-0729
Fax:
dorrrelw@yahoo.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Linford Clarke
Cabletron Network Systems Limited
Westmoreland: Little London,
Grange Hill, Frome
28

Shop #2, Wes J's Plaza 9 Barracks Road,
Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland
Tel: 918-1828 / 918-3643
Fax:
cnsnet@cwjamaica.com
Managing Director:
Mr. Dennis Tenn-Hue
Cable One Jamaica Ltd.
Shop #21 Harbour Bay Plaza Harbour View,
Kingston 17
Tel: 938-9259
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Neville Spike
Cable Home Entertainment Company Limited
47 Mannings Hills Road Kingston 8
Tel: 726-4283 / 7001835 / 943-1145
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Winston Hunter
Allied Cablevision Company Limited
Shop #18, Washington Plaza 26-32 Auburn
Terrace, Kingston 20
Tel: 933-3091/933-3097-8
Fax:
allcable@anngel.com.jm
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Howard Webber
S.A.U.C.E. Communication Network Limited
16 Roosevelt Avenue, Kingston 5
Tel: 978-8449/978-9154
Fax: -
sauce@anngel.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Philmore McCarthy
St. Mary: Highgate East,
Highgate West, Lionel town,
Rocky Point, Sandy Bay
St. Mary: Mason Hall,
Oracabessa
Kingston & St. Andrew: Red
Hills Gardens, Arlene
Gardens
Kingston & St. Andrew:
Harbour View, Central Down
Town, Fletcher’s Land,
Allman Town, Campbell
Town, East Down Town,
Passmore Town, Franklin
Town, Rollington Town,
Bournemouth Gardens,
Norman Gardens, D’Aguilar,
August Town, Mona, Hope
Pastures, Beverly Hills,
29

Roshi's Cable Television Co. Limited
P.O. Box 31, Junction P.O., St. Elizabeth
Tel: 965-5237
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Richard Hall
Santastic Cable Systems Limited
Cherry Gardens,
Swallowfield, Vineyard
Town, Cross Roads, Jones
Town, Trench Town
St. Elizabeth: Southfield,
Junction, Barrett Town,
Sommerton
St. Ann: Brown’s Town
Main Street Brown's Town, St. Ann
Tel: 975-2637
Fax:
sangift33157@yahoo.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Herbert Riley
Silly Video Cable Network Limited
Annotto Bay P.O. St. Mary
Tel: 996-2905
Fax:
Managing Director:
Mr. Winston Walker
Tri-Star Cable Vision & Gymnasium Limited
Shop #16 Midtown Mall Main Street, Lucea
Hanover
Tel: 956-9818
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Andrew McLeary
Unique Vision Cable
Lot 89 Dumfries Housing Scheme St. Jame
Tel: 912-9633
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Walter Smith
St. Mary: Annotto Bay
Hanover: Lucea
Trelawny: Barrett Town,
Somerton
30

Venus Cable Service Limited
Crofts Hill District Crofts Hill P.O., Clarendon
Tel: 966-7708
Fax: 946-3102
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Horace Wright
Westar Communications Limited
Presto Plaza, Duncans
Tel: 940-2711
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Mark Anderson
Wilson Electronics Limited
21 Nashville Plaza Mandeville
Tel: 962-3648
Fax:
Managing Director:
Mrs. Elaine Wilson
Wilson's Enterprises Limited/ Satcum Cable
Television Network
Clarendon: Crofts Hill
District
Trelawny: Duncans
Manchester: Mandeville East
Portland: Priestman's River
Shop #5, JNBS Plaza 21-25 Harbour Street Port
Antonio, Portland
Tel: 993-3898
Fax: -
satcom@cwjamaica.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Ms. Yvonne Wilson - Airhunmwunde
Telstar Cable Limited
109A Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8
Tel: 931-5281
Fax: -
telstar@colis.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mrs. Joyce Darby
Summit Satellite Systems Limited
2 Queen Street Morant Bay St. Thomas
Kingston & St. Andrew:
Barbican
St. Thomas: White Horses,
Morant Bay, Airy Castle
31

Tel: 982-9591
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Clovel Bogle
Stars Cable Company Limited
Simmonds Mall, 73 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St.
Ann
Tel: 795-4977
Fax: 795-0389
kgrant@cwjamaica.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mrs. Shareen Betty
St. Thomas Cable Network Limited
Golden Grove P.O. St. Thomas
Tel: 982-9879/982-6193
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Jeremiah Walker
Starcom Cablevision Limited
Shop #128 Greater Portmore Shopping Centre
P.O. Box 456 Greater Portmore, St. Catherine
Tel: 949-3018/989
Fax:
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Wesley Anderson
Ringo Communications Limited
St. Ann: Breadnut Hill, Guys
Hill
St. Thomas: Bath
St. Catherine: Hellshire
St. Elizabeth: Mountainside
2 Midway South Plaza Barbary Hall,
Mountainside St. Elizabeth
Tel: 367-0506 / 770-1195
Fax:
rdego@dialpipex.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Patrick Thomas
Omni Cable Services Limited
5a Central Road Warehouse 2, Kingston 10
Tel: 920-1099/920-1048
Fax: 930-8445
Kingston & St. Andrew:
Swallowfield, Vineyard
Town, Cross Roads
32

Radio
sakutso@hotmail.com
Chief Executive Officer:
Mr. Michael Walsh
Broadcast Radio & Television
Radio is the oldest, most popular electronic medium, which was introduced to Jamaica in
the 1930s. The popularity of radio listening continues to be reflected in the interest in
establishing new services, which broaden the range of programming available.
The years 1988 to1992 were very exciting times for radio in particular, for it was being
transformed by the introduction of niche programming. During that period, five new
services were licensed, among which were stations fashioned around the genres of
religion and reggae. This trend of niche programming was a general indicator of the
direction of Jamaican radio. This was supported by the more recent licensing experience
of 1992 – 1996, where the four new media services, commonly designated as
“community radio services” direct their programming to a clearly defined audiences.
With the government’s approval for the implementation of a licensing framework that is
cognisant of the wide range of possible media services, the radio landscape can be
expected to show growth.
Television
Local broadcast television, like radio, has benefitted from the addition of new services
over the past ten years. The grant of two new TV licences in 1991 and 1992 marked the
end of a period where the television market had been controlled by one entity.
As with radio, the new licensing framework, which begins with the reclassification of
licences, will prompt expansion as well as support the introduction of new approaches to
operations and programming.
Television continues to be an important tool for information, entertainment and education
for Jamaicans with sets in the majority of households. The Commission’s role is to make
sure that television programming meets established and developing standards. Television
stations are held responsible for everything they put on air, including advertising.
There are 16 companies licensed to broadcast in Jamaica.
33

Licensee Address Broadcast
Service
Aeronautical
Telecommunications Limited
GM: Jeremiah Baker
British Broadcasting
Corporation
Head of the Americas: Lucio
Mesquita
CVM Television Limited
Director: Wayne Smith
Grove Broadcasting Company
Limited
MD: Karl Young
Independent Radio Company
Limited
GM: Newton James
Island Broadcasting
Corporation
Chairman: Alston Stewart
Kommercial Suites
CEO: Collin Smith
Mustard Seed Communities
Chairman: Colin Cholmondeley
1 Braemar Avenue, Kingston
10
Tel: 978-3974/4037
Fax: none
areoteladmin@cwjamaica.com
Bush House P.O. Box 76
Strand London WC2B4PN
Tel: 44-171-557-2511
Fax: 44-171-497-8035
lucio.mesquito@bbc.co.uk
69 Constant Spring Road
Kingston 10
Tel: 931-9400-3
Fax:
wsmith@cvmtv.com
P.O. Box 282, Coconut Grove,
Ocho Rios
Tel: 968-5023
Fax:
iriefmmarket@cwjamaica.com
6 Bradley Avenue, P.O. Box
370, Kingston 10
Tel: 968-4880-3
Fax:
power106@mail.infochan.com
41B Half Way Tree Road,
Kingston 10
Tel: 929-1344
Fax:
klas89@cwjamaica.com
3 Bradley Street Kingston 10
Tel: 968-3430,929-3822
Fax:
1 Mahoe Drive, Kingston 11
Tel: 923-6488, 937-2010
Fax:
msc@cwjamaica.com
Kool 97 FM
KOOL
FM(97.1,
97.3, 97.5,
97.7, 97.9
FM)
BBC World
Service( )
CVM-TV
CVM-TV
IRIE FM
IRIE FM ZIP
103 FM
POWER 106
POWER 106
Music 99
KLAS FM
89
KLAS FM 89
Mega Jamz
98FM
Mega Jamz
98FM
ROOTS FM
ROOTS FM
34

National Religious Media
Company
GM: Winston Ridgard
Radio Jamaica Limited
Chairman: Lester Spaulding
Television Jamaica (TVJ)
GM: Mrs. Yvonne Anderson
Tarrant Baptist Church The
Breath Of Change (TBC)
Manager: Neville Callam
University of the West Indies
Manager: Michael Anthony Cuffe
Western Broadcasting Services
GM: Mrs. Andrea Messam
Westmoreland Broadcasting
Service Limited
CEO: Mrs. Viannie Bedward-
Morgan
12 Carlton Crescent, Kingston
10
Tel: 968-9596-7
Fax:
nrtvs@cwjamaica.com
32 Lyndhurst Road, Kingston
5
Tel: 926-1100
Fax:
rjr@radiojamaica.com
Television Jamaica 5 South
Odeon Avenue, Kingston 10
Tel: 926-5620
Fax: -
tvjadmin@cwjamaica.com
51 Molynes Road, Kingston 10
Tel: 754-5120-1
Fax:
Mona, Kingston 7
Tel: 970-1709
Fax:
37 St. James Street, Montego
Bay
Tel: 960-8453-7
Fax: -
amessam@cvmtc.com
98 Great George Street
Savanna-la-mar
Westmoreland
Tel:
Fax:
LOVE FM
& LOVE TV
LOVE FM &
LOVE TV
FAME FM
FAME FM
RADIO2 FM
SUPREME94
TVJ
TVJ(-)
TBC
TBC
RADIO
MONA
RADIO
MONA
HOT 102
HOT 102( )
VBYZ FM
VBYZ FM
Yard Broadcasting Limited
Chairman: Roger Allen
8 Beckford Street Savanna-lamar
Westmoreland
Tel:
Fax:
LYNX FM
LYNX
35

7.5 MEDIA CONTACT LISTING
36