April Newsletter - 2004

Standing on the Stage of Terror—a Bioterrorism Media Conference Update
Saint Louis University’s Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Health Communication Research Laboratory is hosting “Standing on the Stage of Terror”, a one-day workshop on dealing with the media during a chemical, radiological, or bioterrorism crisis. It will be held on June 17, 2004 at the Renaissance St. Louis Hotel Airport in St. Louis, Missouri. Attendance at this workshop is limited to 150 invited attendees nationally.

This workshop will focus on the most beneficial methods for utilizing mass media during a catastrophic chemical, radiological, or bioterrorism crisis. It promises to be a high-profile event that will bring together media experts with public health officials, who must work hand-in-hand with the media during a crisis.

Morning sessions will identify strategies for effective public communication in the event of a biological, chemical, or radiological terrorism attack including:

• Introducing current knowledge about public information needs in a terrorist emergency.
• Previewing pre-event message strategies under development to enhance communication with the public during a terrorist crisis.
• Identifying reliable information sources for use in a terrorist event.
• Presenting news, television, and radio reporters’ perspectives on what they expect during an interview.

The afternoon session will focus on strategies to enhance on-camera presentations including:

• Presenting valuable on-camera basics that will help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, eliminate self-consciousness, and make you feel like a “pro”.
• Identifying the physical and emotional elements that will improve your ability to display confidence, credibility, and compassion to the viewer.
• Providing an opportunity to hone in on your TV interview skills through on-camera mock-interviews.

Have a question or comment? Email bioterr@slu.edu