Risk communication in local television news
Date
2016
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Local television news plays a vital role communicating risk as part of an integrated warning system. However, literature does not clearly define how local television news does this during rapid onset risk. This paper addresses the gap using the videography process (Knoblauch & Tuma, 2011) for qualitative analysis of two local television news broadcasts during the May 10, 2010 tornado outbreak in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Findings show meteorologists and storm spotters play a pivotal role in local television news coverage by adjusting or reinforcing real time information and tailoring content to audiences by drilling down to local areas in a community. Broadcasts rely on joint implementation of visuals and verbal descriptions for communicating information about hazard agents, severity, lead time, direction, and protective action associated with the tornado outbreak. Branding emerged as a prominent component of coverage and the primary difference separating the two broadcasts. Amongst all of these findings, evidence points to the potential for amplified drama underlying the severe weather coverage. In addition, a significant transition from coverage led by the meteorologist and structured for risk communication back to the traditional news coverage led by anchors occurred during the tornado outbreak.