ARES® and emergency groups have had their hands full in the past months. Time and again, Amateur Radio has been called upon to provide emergency communications. In some places, the hams made the news and were highly praised, while in other places, the community never knew they were there because no one worked with the news media. On November 3, The ARRL’s national Public Relations Committee will present a 90 minute webinar -- Hams, Emergencies and the News.

This webinar -- which will run from 9-10:30 PM EDT -- is intended for Public Information Officers (PIOs), group leaders and hams who want to learn how to appropriately work with the media in an emergency situation. Key presenters will be Howard Price, KA2QPJ, of ABC News in New York and Mark Kraham, W8CMK, Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Chairman. RTDNA represents local and network news executives in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than 30 countries. Together, Price and Kraham will discuss the needs of news media in events and what hams can provide to reporters. A panel of veteran hams, ARES® leaders and PIOs will look into how radio amateurs can effectively meet those needs.

“We all say we want Amateur Radio to grow and be recognized for its service to the community, but without good local media relations our actions are unknown,” said ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP. “If it did not get in the media, it never happened. The ARRL Public Relations Committee recognizes this and is determined to help resolve the problem.” Please click here to register for this informative, interactive Internet meeting.