Policy 1301: News Media Relations

YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 12

10000 ZIER ROAD

YAKIMA, WA 98908

POLICY # 1301

COMMISSION CHAIR SIGNATURE s/b Ken Eakin, Chair

EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/1997

REVISED DATE: 07/08/08

POLICY TITLE: NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide direction to District members on how to conduct business with the news media.

2.0 NEWS MEDIA’S ROLE

The Fire District recognizes that the activities of the District as a public agency should be provided to the news media. It is the responsibility of the Administration to establish positive relations with the news media.

3.0 NEWS RELEASES

News releases to inform the general public of District activities are encouraged. All news releases shall be prepared by the District Public Information Officer or his/her designee and must receive the approval of the Fire Chief prior to being submitted to the news media.

4.0 MEDIA CONTACT ON THE FIRE GROUND

All inquiries by the news media on an emergency scene shall be referred to the District Public Information Officer or the Incident Commander. Unnecessary conversation at the emergency scene that is not related to the mitigation of the incident shall be restricted.

5.0 MEDIA INQUIRES

Inquires by the media regarding emergency incidents, training or any other District activity shall be restricted to the information that is included on the Media Release form, prepared by the District Public Information Officer or the Duty Chief. Any additional requests for information shall be referred to the District Public Information Officer or the Duty Chief. Information regarding investigation activities shall not be released until approved by the Fire Chief.

6.0 CONTACT WITH NEWS MEDIA

Members contacted by the news media for information shall inform the District Public Information Officer or the Duty Chief. All members must seek prior approval from the Fire Chief before initiating any contact with the news media concerning District activities.