The Role of the Media in Dealing with Crisis Situation
The Role of the Media in Dealing with Crisis Situation

Summary/Abstract: The role of the media in dealing with crisis constantly gets on the importance and has a strong influence on the creation of public opinion as well as satisfaction of the public appetite with respect to the situation. The lessons learned tell us that the media have a big interest in information and reporting for dealing with disaster or crisis situation especially from the spot of action. In the race to increase its audience, ratings, and popularity in certain situations they take over the role of investigators and construct own "truth" versus reality. In certain situations, it can lead to the creation of the wrong picture for the disaster or crisis situation, and to mislead involved subjects in resolving crisis situations. The situation could be additionally complicated in the case of the crisis has occurred because of a great disaster or catastrophe with many victims. The process of dealing with disaster is very complex and it requires well-trained and educated personnel who will communicate with media and will promote the official policy of the Government, which subjects are involved as well as explain the steps in dealing with disasters or crisis. This will satisfy the appetites of the media for information and objective reporting and the public will not be confused by unconfirmed information. To meet the need for appropriate and professional media reporting, the Republic of Macedonia has established a Public Affairs Regional Center since 2005, to train personnel for communication with media in crisis.

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