SPJ Panels

Roundtable to discuss news coverage in a pandemic

By Meredith Li-Vollmer, Public Health - Seattle & King County

Members of SPJ are invited to participate in a Media Roundtable on pandemic flu. An influenza pandemic — when it hits — may be the biggest news story of our lifetimes, and it could also be particularly hazardous for journalists and news organizations.

With no pre-existing immunity to a pandemic flu virus, large numbers of people could become sick or die. Imagine the effect on the economy and the social fabric of communities everywhere if schools and public gatherings are cancelled, and up to 40% of the workforce is unable to work. Disruptions to critical infrastructure, health care, transportation, and supplies could last for months, even over a year.

Journalists need to discuss pandemic flu now because:

• Reporters in the field will be especially vulnerable to catching a pandemic flu virus
• News organizations must be prepared to operate with sizeable workforce reductions, and disruptions to supplies and services
• News media can play a critical role in protecting the health of the community
Public Health - Seattle & King County

The Media Roundtable will be an active conversation between reporters, editors, managers, and public health experts about:

• What information news media will need during a pandemic
• What a pandemic may look like, and what Public Health will do
• How to protect reporters’ health and safety
• How to keep news operations running during a pandemic

The roundtable will be moderated by Bruce Shapiro, Executive Director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, who will trigger discussion by presenting realistic scenarios depicting a flu pandemic.

The free event will be held at the Bertha Knight Landes Room at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue on Tuesday, April 24 from 9-11 a.m., with a continental breakfast available from 8:45 a.m.

The Media Roundtable on Pandemic Flu is co-sponsored by Public Health – Seattle & King County, The Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma, Washington State Association of Broadcasters, and the Western Washington Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Meredith Li-Vollmer at Meredith.li-vollmer@metrokc.gov or 206-296-4313.