State Duty Media Officer

Scope

The State Duty Media Officer (SDMO) is responsible for issuing public 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.
• When the State Operations Centre (OpsCen) is activated, the SDMO reports to the State Public Information Coordinator (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.

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.
• Co-ordinates Total Fire Ban (TOBAN) and Harvest Safety Alerts 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 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:
    • Social media posts;
    • Alerts and Warnings (public website);
    • Emergency Alerts; and
    • Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS).

Key Accountabilities – Major Operations

The role of the SDMO changes during major operations and becomes a role within the State Public Information Unit (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

• 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