*Pages 1--3 from Microsoft Word - 38710* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT May 27, 2004 Meribeth McCarrick (202) 418- 0654 Meribeth. McCarrick@ fcc. gov FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO HOST MEDIA FORUM WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2 Event Will Examine the Relationship of Media and Government in Times of Emergencies Washington, D. C. - The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will co- sponsor a public forum on Wednesday, June 2, to examine how the relationship between local media and government can be strengthened to support local market operational readiness to cope with terrorist attacks, natural disasters or other similar occurrences. The event will take place from 10: 45 a. m. – 1: 30 p. m., immediately following the meeting of the Commission’s Media Security and Reliability Council (MSRC), at the Federal Communications Commission, in the Commission Meeting Room at 445 12 th Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. “Media and government must be partners in preparing for emergencies. The public needs clear lines of communication of accurate and timely information. Only by working together can we ensure full readiness for when disaster strikes,” said FCC Chairman Michael Powell. “During this forum we want to explore how this relationship can be strengthened at the local level.” The forum will address means of fostering coordination between local government and media before an emergency occurs, media awareness of service vulnerabilities, and plans for restoration of service to community, including the special needs of disability communities. FCC Chairman Michael Powell will deliver opening remarks at the event. The FCC will release a final agenda prior to the forum, however, panel sessions and confirmed participants include: Panel Sessions: Panel I: Case studies in emergency planning and coordination between local media and government Moderator: Samuel Donaldson, ABC News 1 Panel II: Building the lines of communication: fostering the local government/ media relationship Moderator: Tom Fitzpatrick, Vice President, Giuliani Partners LLC Panel III: A checklist for preparedness: how media can best ensure they are operationally ready when disaster strikes - Moderator: Fred Young, Senior Vice President, News, Hearst- Argyle Television, Inc. Confirmed Participants: - Ann Arnold, Executive Director, Texas Association of Broadcasters - David Barrett, CEO, Hearst- Argyle Television, Inc. and Media Security and Reliability Council Chair - Ken Flechler, Vice President of Compliance and Safety, Comcast Corp. - Leon Harris, News Anchor, WJLA- TV - Barbara Kreisman, Chief, Video Division, FCC and Designated Federal Official, Media Security and Reliability Council - General Frank Libutti, Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, DHS - Glenn Reitmeier, Vice President, Technology, NBC Broadcast and Network Operations - Pat Roberts, President, Florida Association of Broadcasters, Inc. - Brian J. Roehrkasse, Press Secretary, DHS - Topper Shutt, Chief Meteorologist, WUSA 9 - Richard Slenker, Executive Vice President, Technology and Operations, The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Meeting Details: The event is open to the public. Real Audio and streaming video access to the meeting will be available at http:// www. fcc. gov/. 2 The meeting site is fully accessible to people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Meeting agendas will be provided in accessible formats; sign language interpreters, open captioning, and assistive listening devices will be provided on site. Request other reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities as early as possible; please allow at least five days advance notice. Include a description of the accommodation you will need including as much detail as you can. Also include a way we can contact you if we need more information. Last minute requests will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. Send an e- mail to: fcc504@ fcc. gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202- 418- 0530 (voice), 202- 418- 0432 (tty). -FCC- Media Bureau contacts: Barbara Kreisman (202) 418- 1600 Susan Mort (202) 418- 1043 3