State Duty Media Officer

Scope

The State Duty Media Officer (SDMO) is responsible for disseminating information and warnings about bush fires and bush fire threats. The SDMO provides 24-hour assistance to members of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and the media on any issue involving the RFS. The SDMO operates within two different scopes:

• During normal operations - the SDMO reports to the Manager Media and Communications and is responsible for developing and implementing an appropriate communications strategy for disseminating accurate, timely, and consistent information on incidents and planned events to the media. The SDMO holds all the accountabilities of the State Public Information Coordinator (SPIC) when that role is not activated.
• When the State Operations Centre (OpsCen) is activated, the SDMO reports to the SPIC and is responsible for managing incoming media enquiries as well as assisting the State Public Information Unit (SPIU).

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Key Accountabilities

• Receives and records all incoming media enquires through the 24hr Duty Media Line and other sources.
• Monitors and responds to media inquiries in consultation with relevant RFS personnel.
• Monitors media reports on current activity and RFS exposure in the media and circulates this to RFS personnel including the Executive Team.
• Monitors state wide incident activity and resource commitments.
• Monitors social media channels including member channels and responds to issues if needed.
• Provides advice to RFS personnel on media enquiries they have received.
• Coordinates the dissemination of public safety information including Total Fire Ban (TOBAN) and Harvest Safety Alert communications.
• Forms a relationship and liaises with media present at the OpsCen.
• When notified of an incident that may be subject to media attention or which requires
  information to be shared with the public, the SDMO:
  • Liaises with the Operational Communications Centre (OCC), State Operations Controller (SOC)/Deputy State Operations Controller (DSOC), State Duty Operations Officer (SDOO), Incident Controller (IC) and/or District Duty Operations Officer (DDOO) to confirm initial incident details.
  • Deploys an appropriate Officer to attend incidents as required.
  • Coordinates public information and warnings, including:
    • Media interviews and updates;
    • Social media posts;
    • Alerts and Warnings (public website);
    • Broadcast Tools; and
    • Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS).
• The role of the SDMO changes during major operations and becomes a role within the SPIU. The SDMO:
  • Schedules media interviews and enquiries and allocates to Media Officers or nominated spokesperson(s).
  • Disseminates incident information through media.
  • Monitors media for issues that concern the RFS.
  • Ensures media viewing rooms and the media briefing room are operational.
  • Assists with RFS media equipment technical issues.

Special Considerations

• Whilst media organisations have work, health and safety obligations for their media personnel on the fireground, the RFS, through the SDMO can use the Firecast app to monitor media personnel entering and leaving RFS firegrounds. The SDMO may, where required, communicate with media personnel on the fireground using the app’s broadcast tool.
• At all times the SDMO shall maintain a log and ensure the timely inclusion of information into Incident Control Online (ICON).

Related Information

• RFS OPG - Grain Harvesting and Fire Safety
• RFS OPG - Warnings and Public Information