Shahin Islam, director general of National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC); has said that the mass-media can play a vital role in disaster response by providing news items on preparedness, forecast, warning and awareness.
Disseminating information to people about the magnitude and characteristics of impending disasters at the pre-disaster level will make people more aware rather than fearful, she said while addressing a research related meeting at the conference room of NIMC on Tuesday (December 13).
Addressing the meeting on the ‘Role of Disaster Journalism for Preparedness to Face Floods in North-Eastern Bangladesh’, the NIMC DG said that mass media will help sensitise people most effectively through forewarning and coverage of natural disasters. So, pre-disaster reporting is essential for risk reduction.
Faizul Haque, additional director general of NIMC; A.K.M. Azizul Huq, director (admin & dev) of the institution; Mohammed Abu Sadique, a deputy director of the institution; Md. Fahim Siddique, research officer of NIMC; and Ehsanul Haque Jasim, principal researcher of a NIMC’s research project on disaster journalism; attended the meeting.
Speaking about recent frequent floods in Sylhet region, Shahin Islam, ndc, said that sustainable solution is a must so that no such worst flood hit the region in future. Disaster journalism can play a vital role in this regard. The research project taken by the NIMC can play a vital role for the way-out.
Shahin Islam further said that making common people aware is one of the main duties of journalism. Mass-media through news items can shed light on both sides regarding the gap between the public and the policymakers regarding disaster preparedness. So, it is needed to create skilled journalists who can play a greater role in dealing with disasters and preparedness of flood and any other disaster, she added.