The Role of Local and National Radio and TVs in Disaster Management: A case study of 2012 East Azerbaijan – Iran Earthquake

Abstract

According to Iran's vulnerability to natural disasters and the important role of the mass media in managing such disasters, the purpose of this study is to achieve a model describing the role of local and national radio and TV in disaster management. The data were collected through interviews with three groups including the victims of the earthquake in Azerbaijan, managers and employees of local radio and TV in Azerbaijan, and experts in the field of media and crisis. Using grounded theory method to analyze the data collected from victims, their media needs were identified that consist of need for information, need for media attention, need for training and need to have a representative. A comprehensive model of national and local radio and TV channels role in disaster management was based upon such media needs. The model was designed according to the views of managers of local radio and TV in Azerbaijan and was ultimately approved by the experts. According to this model, in the event of natural disasters, local and national media play four key roles that are educating and culture-building, informing and making communication, monitoring and demanding as well as winning public participation and creating national solidarity. Using this model, local and national channels are able to interact effectively with one another to manage natural disasters in an integrated way.

Keywords: local and national radio and television, natural disasters, Iran, disaster management