During times of disasters, the media often play a major role in informing the public. They are often the first to know the details of a crisis and have the power to choose the information they communicate to the public. However, there is no direct control over the content and form of information transmitted, so does the media have a sense of responsibility and transmit only what is honest and respectable"

The media have certain characteristics that make them advantageous for disaster communication. They are able to provide easy access to large publics through newspapers, the television and the radio. When disasters strike, the media's duty is to inform the public, in doing so they have to adjust to the information needs of the audience. The media are often selective about the information they communicate to the public because their style of reporting has to reflect the audience's...