Where s the Press?
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend and participate in a media workshop in Wichita.
One of the purposes of the workshop was to assist officials with press conferences, press releases, and gain a general understanding of the media's role in the event of a terrorist act.
Representatives from eight counties (Marion, Butler, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Reno, Sumner, and Sedgwick), the city of Wichita, and state and federal officials participated in the groundbreaking workshop.
The only media from Marion County in attendance was from Hoch Publishing.
Where was the county's "official" newspaper? Evidently this was not important enough for them to participate or acknowledge.
This workshop was conducted directly for the media — to enhance an understanding of the response process should a disaster or terrorist attack occur, and to further define roles and responsibilities of the media.
It promoted the partnership between officials and the media in quickly and effectively disseminating information.
This was a media event for the media.
Representatives from Wichita television and radio stations were in attendance. It was covered on the evening news. It was important to the media to participate and report the event.
The day consisted of various scenarios and exercises that required communication between and input from participants. I was impressed with the individuals who represented Marion County and their level of training and expertise.
Hoch Publishing understands the role and responsibility of being a "community" newspaper, with "community" being individual cities and the county as a whole.
It was important for representation from Hoch Publishing in the training exercise to become aware of the process in the event a similar situation may occur.
The Marion County Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal, and Peabody Gazette-Bulletin are YOUR community newspapers and will always be there for residents.
We will continue to participate as a member of the communities and strive to provide useful information to the residents of Marion County.
— SUSAN BERG
