Francis Herman, the CEO of Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC), has put forth a significant proposal for enhancing disaster preparedness in the Pacific region. At the recent Pacific Media Partnership Conference, he suggested the establishment of a centralized location stocked with emergency broadcasting kits that could be readily deployed during catastrophic events such as earthquakes.
Reflecting on his harrowing experience during the devastating earthquake on December 17, Herman shared, “I have lived through 32 cyclones, two bushfires, and four military coups, but nothing compared to the fear I felt that day.” His vivid recount of the chaos in his office, with his printer flying across the room and dust filling the air, underscores the urgent need for better preparedness.
Herman emphasized that having a dedicated site for broadcasting equipment would enable quick deployment to affected areas. “If we had a designated location in the Pacific stocked with these kits, they could be loaded onto one of the early relief flights,” he stated, highlighting that such a setup would eliminate the scramble for equipment during crises and ensure a prompt media response.
In addition to creating a physical stockpile, he urged technical experts from Pacific media organizations to work collectively to standardize emergency broadcasting equipment. This collaboration aims to address vulnerabilities revealed by the recent earthquake, allowing broadcasters to maintain operations and provide vital information to the public during disasters.
This initiative could serve as an important legacy, not just for VBTC, but for all media entities in the Pacific, enhancing the overall resilience of the region to natural disasters. With ongoing collaboration and improved resources, Pacific nations can aim for a future where rapid and effective communication during crises becomes a standard, ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities.
Summary: VBTC’s CEO advocates for a centralized emergency broadcasting hub in the Pacific to improve disaster response. Drawing from his experience during the recent earthquake, he highlights the need for quick deployment of resources and collaboration among media organizations to standardize equipment.
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