The Media's Role in Responding to a Radiological or Nuclear Event

The U.S. Government, technical experts from the civilian sector, and the media must be prepared to provide reliable, well-coordinated, technically accurate emergency information to the public, following a radiological or nuclear event. This paper looks at the challenges associated with accurately reporting the technical information in a way that could mitigate the psychological and economic effects of such an event. The paper provides background on the media's role in a radiological or nuclear event, suggests a framework for addressing different levels of events based on consequences, examines lessons learned from past cases, and discusses the relevant challenges and opportunities for both the authorities and the media as they work to prepare themselves to respond to this type of event.