News Release

CHAPEL HILL – Journalists, government officials and nonprofit and corporate communication specialists can learn more about effective reporting of natural disasters at a May 20 seminar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The seminar, "Telling the Story When Natural Disasters Strike," will focus on how to ensure that the public gets accurate, complete and timely information about a weather emergency.

May 16 is the registration deadline for the seminar, offered through the Office of Distance and Executive Education at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and co-sponsored by Progress Energy.

Stanley B. Goldenberg, a meteorologist with the Hurricane Research Division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will deliver the keynote address. He will explore the causes and implications of the recent increase in Atlantic hurricane activity.

In recent years, natural disasters in the form of hurricanes, floods, ice storms and tornadoes have seemed to be more prevalent, inflicting greater human and financial damage.

Reporting such natural disasters puts pressures on journalists, utility-service providers, local governments, emergency management officials, disaster-relief agencies and the public. Each group wants and needs information to prepare for, weather and recover from the storm. The needs of each group can create conflict and prevent the effective and efficient flow of vital information.

Other topics to be covered in the seminar include:

· How key information sources communicate with the public during and after natural disasters.

· Tips from journalists on gaining access to critical sources to report during weather emergencies.

· A roundtable discussion among service providers, government officials and the media on working together and breaking barriers to improve communication during crisis situations caused by natural disasters.

The seminar fee is $25, which includes lunch and reserved parking. For more information or to register, visit www.jomc.unc.edu/executiveeducation/index.html or call toll-free, 877-668-0674.

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School of Journalism and Mass Communication contact: Louise Spieler, assistant dean for distance education and executive education, 919-843-8137, lspieler@unc.edu

Progress Energy contact: Julie Hans, media relations, 919-546-6189, julie.hans@pgnmail.com

News Services contacts: Print, L.J. Toler, 919-962-8589; broadcast, Karen Moon, 919-962-8595