Designing a Comprehensive Model of the the Local and National Radio and TV stations role in Natural Hazards Management in Iran

Due to our country’s high vulnerability on natural hazards and the precious and important role of local and national media in managing the hazards, this study has been conducted to achieve a native model on the role of local and national media in managing natural hazards in Iran. To design this model, we collected data, using in-depth interview, from three different groups, including victims survived in Varzaqan and Ahar, Eastern Azerbaijan province, earthquake; Sahand local broadcasting company staffs and directors, and media and crisis experts. Analyzing the data collected from the victims through Grounded Theory method, we succeeded in identifying their media needs which include: the need for information, the need for media attention, the need for education and the need to have a representative. The media needs turned into the base for the local and national media role model in managing natural hazards; a model which was designed based on opinion of Sahand local TV and radio directors and was ultimately approved by the field’s experts and specialists. Based on the model, local and national broadcasting media will take the responsibility of the four roles of educating and culture-building, informing and making communication, monitoring and demanding as well as winning public participation and creating national unity whenever natural hazards occur. Using this model, local and national media, may cooperate and manage natural hazards purposefully and cohesively.