ZOE CROFT

221 Junaluska Rd Boone, NC 28607 | croftcz@appstate.edu | 207.776.5030

Sources: 1) Chamber supports relief efforts www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/23456-chamber-supports-relief-efforts 2) County announces low-interest disaster loans www.chescotimes.com/?p=5200 3) IRS gives tax relief to Oso slide victims www.king5.com/news/oso-landslide/IRS-gives-tax-relief-to-Oso-slide-victims253917111.html 4) IRS Offers Tax Filing Delay to Washington Mudslide Victim www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-offers-tax-filing-delay-to-washington-mudslidevictims-70237-1.html 5) How to Stay Connected in Post-Disaster Recovery www.news.thomasnet.com/IMT/2014/04/08/beyond-landlines-and-cell-how-to-stayconnected-in-post-disaster-recovery/ 6) It Helps to Like Your Neighbor during a Natural Disaster www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/04/it-helps-to-like-your-neighbor-during-anatural-disaster/360139/ 7) Natural Disasters, Conflict, and Human Rights: Tracing the Connections Elizabeth Ferris www.brookings.edu/research/speeches/2010/03/03-natural-disasters-ferris 8) The UPS Foundation Invests More Than $9 Million In Grants And Support For Global Community Safety www.finance.yahoo.com/news/ups-foundation-invests-more-9-170700408.html News Summary: For the period of March 22 to April 10, media focused on the disaster relief industry and their financial long term support for victims. Specifically, media focused on the importance of the industry aiding to the families effected in disasters by offering monetary relief and establishing support and safety systems. Media emphasized that actively monitoring areas affected by disasters is important to the recovery rate and the social resilience demonstrated by residents. This message became public when news outlets started reporting on the human rights connections to natural disasters and the immediate need for economic aid. Organizations are releasing statements on tax breaks and filing delays for natural disaster victims, in response to the economic injury that have affected so many people this year. For example, media discussed how the IRS is going to postpone various tax filing deadlines for Unites States citizens affected by natural disasters this year. The IRS will also abate any interest, late payment or late filing that would otherwise apply. Similarly, there were articles written about counties offering low interest loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and eligible private nonprofit organizations. These loans are called economic injury disaster loans and their purpose it to help small businesses meet necessary financial obligations that the business would have met if the disaster had not occurred. Other articles focused on key stakeholders affected by disasters and the effect on their businesses. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry addressed many issues of disaster relief

from road and bridge infrastructure, ports, traffic, goods and other issues affecting businesses. They stressed the importance of having a solid infrastructure set in place that can connect customers. The Chamber also emphasized that members of the community and businesses in general should not take advantage of disaster situations and raise costs of goods and services to those already affected by the crisis. Another article that focuses on community and infrastructure is about the UPS foundation. The UPS foundation generously donated nine million dollars towards safety initiatives. They are focused on enhancing disaster response, recovery, and emergency preparedness through enhanced technology infrastructure and road safety initiatives. This large donation will significantly help communities. UPSs expertise in logistics and supply chain will help equip individuals and businesses with the skills, information and resources to ensure their families and communities are better prepared for the future. Finally, media covered the increasing emphasis on establishing and maintain personal relationships. Several articles were written about social cohesion and the human rights responses to those affected by natural occurrences. These stories stressed that social cohesion is a critical component of building resilience. Developing a human rights mindset is important in understanding international and national standards. Both require a commitment to your surrounding community. During the last media tracking analysis there was a heavy emphasis on strategic planning, advice giving and awareness. However, during this period of analysis there has been a noticeable shift in media topics. The tone of this evaluation period is much more based on the economic injury that follows a natural disaster. It is obvious that there is significant pressure from the industry to respond to this years taxes and helping the monetary debts that are happening worldwide.

PR Tie In & Possible Implications: Based on the news articles published during this media tracking analysis, it is apparent that there is great need for financial relief. The industry is responding by offering many economic incentives. Sharing this message is vital to the industry success. Going forward the industry needs to anticipate an increase in demand for information about their incentives, loans and the IRS. This can be addressed by organizations creating many different forms of informational media to have accessible to varying publics. Another way to successfully get the public more invested in these topics is by helping them file these reports, establish connections with their local government and heavily incorporate social and traditional media. The creation of relief facilities would also help towns get the infrastructure and social cohesions needed to productively address and overcome a catastrophic event. Overall, the disaster relief industry is doing a very good job at keeping their invested publics informed. Using varying media outlets, this industry has been able to have a positive supportive image that reflects ethical decision making and leadership. News articles are being published about their accomplishments and regulatory support. Public relations practitioners in this industry must have a strong background in policy, community planning, public speaking and sustainable development. Media have been covering a lot of small town disasters as well as neighborhood initiatives. Having a presence in those settings and participating in those conversations are critical in getting out the messages of the industry, the IRS and other sectors of the government. This subject and industry requires two way communication strategies in order to stay relevant, effective, and successful. By following the suggested approaches the disaster relief industry will

be able to track their progress effectively as well as help regain stability in many areas of the world, creating social cohesion and respect. Media Tracking Analysis Summary: Over the period of this analysis, Jan. 15 to April 11, media outlets have focused on a variety of topics. The disaster relief industry covers many issues, ranging from the individuals involved in humanitarian aid, to emerging issues with long term aid, the implementation of strategic plans, and government aid and assistance. All of the topics covered in the media tracking analysis allow the publics to better understand the role that this industry plays. It also highlights the grave nature in which this industry is asked to actively participate in. When media outlets report on this industry it not only brings up forums about the industry, but it also brings light to the natural disasters worldwide and the human rights issues that follow with them. The tone of these articles have all been serious but they are all easy to understand. This is important for the industry because this topic affects all socio economic groups and the way that the industry presents its self-100% determines their success rates. Although each media tracking analysis had its own theme, there were many reoccurring aspects on how they should effectively communicate. Two way communication is their most effective way of talking with their audience. With an increase in social media technology the disaster relief industry has also seen an increase in rapid responses to disasters and a more direct way of getting in contact with their stakeholders. Overall, the tone of each period was critical yet positive. When dealing with lost lives and devastated communities this tone is expected. One this is definitely certain, there will always be a need for this industry to help rebuild, support and engage communities as well as be the opinion leaders on environmental disasters, sustainable infrastructure and development.