The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) has achieved a remarkable milestone in disaster management by officially presenting its Resilience Action Plan to the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction. This event positions FBC as the pioneering broadcaster in the South Pacific to craft a thorough Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan (DPRP).
The necessity of such plans was underscored during the recent Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Suva, where attendees stressed the importance of all broadcasters having a DPRP to improve disaster readiness in the media sector. Kamal Kishore, the Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, highlighted the vital function broadcasters play in emergencies by delivering timely early warning messages. He pointed out, “Disaster risk reduction is not just the business of the disaster management office, but everybody’s business,” acknowledging FBC’s commitment to fostering resilience in its operations.
FBC Chief Executive Officer Tarun Patel emphasized that the primary objective of the Resilience Action Plan is to protect staff while ensuring the public remains informed during disasters. The plan’s development was spearheaded by FBC’s Resilience Committee, chaired by Fabian Randerath, and commenced in 2022. Its official launch last year was a significant step, with the handover to the UN representing a historic achievement for media organizations on a global scale.
This initiative resonates with the growing recognition of the necessity for comprehensive disaster preparedness strategies throughout the Pacific region, as advocates highlight the critical role media play during emergencies. Discussions at the recent conference reiterated the importance of improved communication methods for effective information distribution during crises.
Ultimately, FBC’s establishment of a Resilience Action Plan stands as a praiseworthy advancement for enhancing disaster preparedness in the Pacific media landscape. This proactive strategy not only aims to safeguard the organization and its workforce but also to ensure that the community’s access to essential information is maintained during crises, contributing to a more resilient society as Fiji prepares for potential future challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
This positive development showcases the potential for media organizations to lead in disaster resilience, thus strengthening community support and information accessibility in times of need.
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