You would think, with the scrutiny after “Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job,” that FEMA would get its act together. Or at least make us think they have our act together.
But, no. Right now, the disaster management arm of the Federal Government is under fire for a faking a press conference last week in Southern California. Instead of journalists answering the questions, it was FEMA employees. Worst of all, several regional and national news organizations were duped, running portions of the event on TV, online and in print.
Now comes the apology. But what about the lesson? How about understanding what press conferences are for?
Press conferences should be designed to allow journalists access to newsmakers that they would not be able to get otherwise. Yes, they are opportunities to deliver messages via answers. But, nobody offering access to media should forget that such an event should be created for media and, in turn, the public to get information.
Count us in on saying “shame on FEMA.”