text:
Disaster Management in Nepal: Media engagement in the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
a Centre for Emergency and Disaster Management (CEDM), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane Australia. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com b CEDM, QUT, Brisbane Australia. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com c CEDM, QUT, Brisbane Australia. E-mail: Michele Clark firstname.lastname@example.com d QUT Business School, QUT, Brisbane Australia. E-mail: email@example.com e Nepal Centre for Disaster Management (NCDM), Kathmandu Nepal. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Abstract — Nepal, as a consequence of its geographical location and changing climate, faces frequent threats of natural disasters. According to the World Bank's 2005 Natural Disasters Hotspots Report, Nepal is ranked the 11th most vulnerable country to earthquake and 30th to flood risk. Geo-Hazards International (2011) has classified Kathmandu as one of the world's most vulnerable cities to earthquakes. In the last four decades more than 32,000 people in Nepal have lost their lives and annual monetary loss is estimated at more than 15 million (US) dollars.
This review identifies gaps in knowledge, and progress towards implementation of the Post Hyogo Framework of Action. Nepal has identified priority areas: community resilience, sustainable development and climate change induced disaster risk reduction. However, one gap between policy and action lies in the ability of Nepal to act effectively in accordance with an appropriate framework for media activities.
Supporting media agencies include the Press Council, Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Nepal Television, Radio Nepal and Telecommunications Authority and community based organizations. The challenge lies in further strengthening traditional and new media to undertake systematic work supported by government bodies and the National Risk Reduction Consortium (NRRC). Within this context, the ideal role for media is one that is proactive where journalists pay attention to a range of appropriate angles or frames when preparing and disseminating information. It is important to develop policy for effective information collection, sharing and dissemination in collaboration with Telecommunication, Media and Journalists.
The aim of this paper is to describe the developments in disaster management in Nepal and their implications for media management. This study provides lessons for government, community and the media to help improve the framing of disaster messages. Significantly, the research highlights the prominence that should be given to flood, landslides, lightning and earthquakes.
Keywords – Hyogo Framework, disasters, media framing, role of media in disasters, risk communication and disasters, Nepal
1 Introduction and Background
Nepal, as a consequence of its geographical location and changing climate, faces frequent threats of natural disasters. Since 1900, 7 million people in Nepal have been affected by disasters (K. R. Aryal, 2007). Over the last four decades, Nepal has experienced approximately 23,000 disasters of all types (MoHA-Nepal-Government & DPNET-Nepal, 2013) and more than 32,000 people have lost their lives (K. Aryal, 2012; DesInventar, 2014; MoHA-Nepal-Government & DPNET-Nepal, 2013). Annual economic losses are estimated at more than 15 million (US) dollars per annum (K. R. Aryal, 2007; MoHA-Nepal-Government & DPNET-Nepal, 2013).
Nepal is highly vulnerable to multiple hazards due to its variable geo-climatic conditions, young geology, unplanned settlements, deforestation and environmental degradation. On the other hand, increasing population, rapid and unplanned urbanization and other economic activities in vulnerable areas are also contributing factors to this vulnerability. The effects of climate change have further aggravated disasters in Nepal. According to the World Bank's 2005 Natural Disasters Hotspots Report, Nepal is ranked the 11th most vulnerable country in the world to earthquake and 30th to flood risk (World Bank, 2005). Geo-Hazards International (2011) has classified Kathmandu as one of the world's most vulnerable cities to earthquakes (Geo-Hazards International, 2011; Nepal MoHA, 2011).
In spite of the rate of disasters and the associated economic and human impact, the media has a limited focus on the issue of disasters (Adhikari, Pokhrel, KC, & Rai, 2011). Despite attempts to harness the power of communication technology to bring about social change and to meet people's needs (Hannides, 2011), the media lacks maturity in fulfilling its role as public informant (Panday, 2009). Maturity is lacking in contemporary Nepalese newspapers; however, media reporting is now improving (Panday, 2009). Nepalese news outlets can be a useful source for hazard information and can help inform and protect the people in specific areas (Panday, 2009).
Despite an increasing number of people affected by natural disasters (UNDP-Nepal, 2009), the management strategies have been inadequate and not well implemented (UNDP-Nepal, 2009). The impact of disasters are increasing due to the lack of preparedness, public awareness, effective media reporting and proper news dissemination (NSDRM, 2009). The media help the community in different ways. Often the community does not go to the authorities directly, but tries to solve issues by themselves, no matter how serious it is. In such a situation, journalists provide information relating to the crisis and appropriate actions required (Gurung, 2011).
However there have not been any significant researches seeking to understand the media's treatment of disasters in the Nepalese context. The Nepalese media outlets mostly cover current affairs, politics, business, technology and arts and disaster reporting is considerably less prominent (Adhikari, et al., 2011). The government in Nepal has been criticized for the quality of the information provided to the public (Adhikari, et al., 2011; M.B.P Chhetri, 2003). There is an information asymmetry between government and the media. Sometimes media may create confusion and undermine attempts to effectively manage response activities (M.B.P Chhetri, 2003).
The question is how the role of the media can be improved. There is a need to ensure that the media is responsible and transparent in their roles. Yet, despite being a disaster prone country, Nepal to date, has not implemented any major media management strategy to involve the media in disaster risk reduction, framework and management (M.B.P Chhetri, 2003). The aim of this article, through analysis of the literature and of government reports, is to describe the role of the media in disaster management and thus progress towards implementation of the 2005 Hyogo Framework for Action.
1.1 Process of collecting literature
This study uses standard academic techniques for searching articles, key databases, relevant documents, intensive reports, books. These were retrieved and saved using Endnote and APA 6th version style. The major sources of literature are the popular databases that are accessible through the electronic database portal of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) library. The databases used were PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO-host, Pro-Quest, Science Direct, LexisNexis AU, and Informit. Additionaly, electronic databases, including DesInventar of CRED, ReliefWeb, PreventionWeb, MoIC, MoHA, DPNET, UN, FAO, World Bank, CIA World Fact book Nepal, SADKN, SEADHIN, INSEC, and CBS-Nepal, were scrutinised. Key words used in the search were 'Hyogo Framework', media management', 'mass media', 'disasters', 'media framing', 'role of media in disasters', 'risk communication and disasters' and 'effective communication'. Additionally, the references included in most relevant recent articles were reviewed.
Relevant articles relating to the role of the media, 'Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015', media framing, the PPRR approach and disaster journalism were identified as well as articles related to research methods, design, and the conceptual framework. The total list of articles was reviewed for relevance and significance and the final analysis was performed on 35 most significant articles and reports.
Relevant articles were reviewed by the principal researcher to identify significant contributions to the purpose of the review. Those contributions were collated into consistent ideas and where appropriate used to identify new themes.
1.2 The 2005 Hyogo framework for action in Nepal
The 2005 Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) was formulated under the auspices of the United Nations and identified inter alia the need and importance of working with the media (HFA/UNISDR, 2005). The Framework aimed to explain, describe and detail the work required to reduce disaster losses (HFA/UNISDR, 2005; World Coference on Disaster Reduction, 2005). It has five priorities for action:
- Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation.
- Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
- Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels.
- Reduce the underlying risk factors.
- Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all level - bringing them into a common system of coordination.
Since the adoption of the HFA in 2005, and as documented in national and regional progress reports on the implementation as well as in other global reports, progress has been achieved in reducing disaster risk at local, national, regional and global levels by countries and other stakeholders. This has contributed to decreasing mortality risk. There is growing evidence that reducing disaster risk is a cost effective investment in preventing future losses. Countries have enhanced their capacities. International mechanisms for cooperation, such as the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and the regional platforms for disaster risk reduction have been instrumental in the development of policies, strategies, the advancement of knowledge and mutual learning. Overall, the HFA has been an important instrument for raising public and institutional awareness, generating political commitment, and focusing and catalysing actions by a wide range of stakeholders at local, national, regional and global levels (Pre zero draft IDRC-GRF, 2014). The HFA urged a focus on advocacy and awareness programs to educate people, communities, and decision makers (Matsuoka, Sharma, & Shaw, 2009).
Being a member of the United Nations, Nepal has sought to apply the principles and recommendations made regarding the framework and the role of media for disasters. However, media involvement in the dissemination of real time information is limited. Effective news room management by government owned, private, online and community media throughout the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (PPRR) cycle of disaster management can be a useful tool for collecting risk information and disseminating protective information to the communities at risk (Poudel, FitzGerald, Clark, Mehta, & Poudyal Chhetri, 2014).
The recent 5th International Disaster and Risk Conference ( IDRC) in Davos Switzerland highlighted the new level of media involvement to be included in the post 2015 framework for disaster risk reduction (IDRC-GRF, 2014). Disaster experts have urged and encouraged media to take an active role at local, national, regional and global levels to contribute to raising public awareness and understanding, and also to disseminate risk, hazards and disaster information (IDRC-GRF, 2014). Furthermore, the experts in the IDRC have expressed the need for close cooperation with the academia and institutions of Science and Technology to help stimulate a culture of prevention and strong community involvement. IDRC has also highlighted the active role of social media to promote public education and awareness (IDRC-GRF, 2014).
Earlier this year the UN General Assembly released a compilation report on consultation towards the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction which included an overview of the period from March 2012 to May 2014 (UN-General Assembly, 2014). The findings of the biennial Global Assessment Reports (GAR) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and the deliberations of the United Nations General Assembly are addressed in the compilation report.
In 2011 UNISDR reported the progress made by some developing countries of Asia in the area of disaster risk reduction awareness among communities (UNISDR, 2011). It stated that countries such as Bangladesh, China, the Cook Islands, Fiji, India, the Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, PDR Lao, Samoa and the Solomon Islands have commonly used strategies for spreading awareness including the use of coordinated public awareness campaigns involving both print and electronic media. National governments of countries such as Bhutan, Pakistan and Nepal have adopted a strategy of designating the anniversaries of major past disasters in the country as days for building awareness of disaster related issues (UNISDR, 2011).
'Disaster through a Different Lens', a comprehensive report issued after the successful, preliminary, consultative meeting of UNISDR, held in Geneva in 2007 focused on the influence of the mass media as a powerful force in policy change (Leoni, 2011). Earlier, it was said that the responsible agencies and supporting agencies for implementing their respective role in disaster risk management need to be accountable to the targeted communities. A focus on media engagement is urged to help mainstream disaster related issues (UNISDR, 2011, 2013a, 2013c).
Nepal has identified stakeholders and their role to execute the programs identified for the second phase of the Hyogo framework for action. Government Ministries will lead, but will be involved in national, district, VDC, and community-ward levels. In recent years, Nepal has demonstrated commitment to the use of science, technology and information systems for a better understanding of the issues and solutions required for disaster management. For example, the DISINVENTAR data collection system will be updated and shared through web portal (MOHA) with local media, FM stations and mobile phone networks so that the communities at risk obtain maximum benefit from the information. The establishment of the disaster risk reduction (DRR) web Portal at the Home Ministry will be linked with the DISINVESTAR Data (UNISDR, 2013b).
Currently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) along with National Emergency Operation Centre is coordinating all disasters and emergency situations in the country under the regulation of the central disaster relief committee (IFRC-NRCS, 2011; NDRF/MOHA, 2013; NEOC-MOHA, 2014). The National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management (NSDRM) of 2009 proposes a council under the chairmanship of the Prime minister with a wider role and responsibilities aimed at all stages of disaster management in Nepal (NSDRM, 2009).
The role of government agencies is to support UN agencies, I/NGOs, Red Cross and Red Crescent, donors, civil society, private sector, academia, user groups, and the media (MoHA-Nepal-Government, 2013; UNISDR, 2013a). Government will adopt the current coordination mechanisms under "Flagship 4 & 5" initiatives and strengthen and institutionalise them within government systems. The Government will also implement a post-disaster assessment guidelines (UNISDR, 2013a). However there remain many issues to be addressed in response to the media coverage.
2 Literature Review
The literature review is divided into subsections as follows.
2.1 The role of the media in disaster management
The media including newspapers, radio, television and social media play a critical role in creating community awareness and disseminating information about disasters (Dixit et al., 2002; Dynes & Rodriguez, 2010; Rahmanzadeh, 2012). The media do not necessarily report or disseminate news in a negative way, but they follow disaster events very specifically (Dynes & Rodriguez, 2010). Media coverage of the triple disaster in Japan in 2011, the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the Sichuan earthquake in China in 2008, Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar in 2008 and the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 created significant national and international public attention and, at times, alarm to the communities (Leoni, 2011). In the twenty-first century, the media is regarded as a fundamental component of human society. Most prevalently, the media play the role of guard dog or the fourth estate of a nation (Donohue, Tichenor, & Olien, 1995; Hachhethu, Kumar, & Subedi, 2009). This conception is derived from other perspectives, which include media as "(a) the role of watchdog, (b) the lapdog view of submissive media, and (c) the view of media as part of a power oligarchy" (Donohue, et al., 1995). This notion highlights that people need information from sources other than obtain and learn from direct contact with rather people in order to comprehend social reality (Shoemaker & Reese, 1996).
The information provided about the Seti flood in Nepal in 2012 and its immediate dissemination to the public through the media, helped many people stay alert. Preliminary information provided by the local media helped people capture live scenes of the debris flow and flood in their still and video cameras including cell phones and circulating information (Bhandary, Dahal, & Okamura, 2012). However the coverage of the impact of disasters has not necessarily assisted with management of these events nor has it contributed significantly to changes in public policy or legislation that may have resulted in a further reduction in the impact of these events on the health and wellbeing of the communities affected (Bhandary, et al., 2012; Chhetri, 2010).
A manual, 'Disaster through a Different Lens' focused on the influence of mass media as being a powerful force in policy change and, together with other stakeholders, bridging the information gap between communities and governments. In the manual, Leoni (2011) highlighted the effort that has been useful in generating ideas to bring all of the world's media together in disaster risk reduction. It has been possible to incorporate media in disaster management from the first consultative meeting by building a 'Global Media Network on Disaster Risk Reduction'.
Future disaster reduction through development or improved development through disaster reduction, have been considered to be complementary agendas. From this point of view, the media plays a key role in integrating disaster issues into the mainstream development processes of the world (Collins, 2009).
With respect to the media's role in society, the notion is very vague. It needs to be specified according to the event where media involvement is realised. For example, the mass media have been identified as the primary stakeholder, if not the sole source of information and knowledge about global warming, as well as other fields, such as disasters, politics, education, science, technology, and environment (Sinaga, 2011). In the political discourse, the media have been the dominating stakeholder, because they focus the agenda according to the frames or angles of social events, needs, and involvement (Semetko & Valkenburg, 2000).
The production of news relating to disasters is subject to the processes of institutional mediation, cultural inflection, and professional reflexivity, because the journalists themselves get involved in the dissemination of information about disaster response activities, the victims' views and their demands, and the display of emotions (Pantti, Wahl-Jorgensen, & Cottle, 2012).
The media's role in disasters has also been described in certain specific ways. The media could be termed as a 'frame setter', because media reporting and stories draw the attention of the authorities, public, and emergency workers. All concerned agencies including the media become involved in the response during disasters (Vasterman, Yzermans, & Dirkzwager, 2005). The attention of various opinion leaders has been widely discussed and has emphasized the need for effective dissemination of information (Seid-Aliyeva, 2006).
The linkage with the society and social utility functions of the media are the most important elements, apart from their regular day-to-day job of disseminating information to the public (Nazari, Hassan, Parhizkar, & Osman, 2011). People often give confusing estimates of damage and they often judge damage to be either more preventable or attributable. The media generally give a detailed description of the damage caused by the disasters (Nazari, et al., 2011). These findings have clear implications for the way the media and public must engage in sharing the available information of disasters (Cowan, McClure, & Wilson, 2002).
It is not surprising that the media plays a significant role in disaster education and awareness as well. The investment for this purpose is not adequate, even in developed countries, given that emergency managers typically operate with limited resources. In 2007, a survey of USA emergency management professionals found that the average county public communication budget is only $290 per annum, with 175 counties having no communication budget at all (Liu, 2007). This means that, even in the US, the media's priority with respect to disaster education was nominal. Now, the situation has changed.
The media play a central role during the initial period after a large disaster and crisis managers at different levels are often dependent on the media to both receive and give information (Bennett & Martin, 2002; E. L. E. Quarantelli, 2002). Media coverage also raises awareness among people in non-impacted regions and countries, and stimulates relief aid and donations (E. L. Quarantelli, 1996; Olofsson, 2011).
For the last 50 years, human society has acquired knowledge from the media (Neuman & Guggenheim, 2011). Many people might think that the Internet would be the best option to gain information during a disaster, but this notion of depending on web materials is always vulnerable in a crisis (Neuman & Guggenheim, 2011). People from all over the world mostly rely on the radio and television during disasters. During a crisis, other media may do a better job at delivering breaking news than the Internet (Goldsborough, 2002). People throughout disaster-affected countries, without easy access to television or radio, try to find out what is happening through their computers, often without success (Neuman & Guggenheim, 2011).
During the floods in Brisbane, Australia, the media assisted people by drawing the attention of authorities to focus on response activities (Bruns, Burgess, Crawford, & Shaw, 2012; Nathan, 2011). It is now generally acknowledged that the 24-hour news cycle and competition to break stories reduces the time for real analysis and fact checking. Communicating risk has been identified as one of the major components of risk management (Nathan, 2011).
The strength of the media has traditionally been in their simplification of complexity (Nathan, 2011). Response activities from both the public and the government are positively associated with the number of people affected, media coverage, and the level of political and civil freedoms prevailing (Feeny & Clarke, 2007). Reporters are engaged in disaster zones to get the story, with or without cooperation, but sometimes people are not concerned about the negative impact of news and information disseminated in a rush or in a time of crisis (Moskovitz, 1999).
Research on the role of the media in disaster preparedness and the sustainable development of society in Azerbaijan highlighted that people who are well informed and educated, even if living in hazard-prone zones, can reduce the consequences of disaster and help to rebuild a healthy society (Seid-Aliyeva, 2006).
A study of the media and disasters by Wenger (1985) reveals that two parties involved in responding to disasters, such as neighbours, have great expectations of each other, even if they hate each other, and will go beyond their usual values or tolerance levels. There are always positive and negative aspects of disaster reporting.
During disasters, the media works tirelessly using enormous resources, however, the reporting may not always be accurate. During Hurricane Katrina, the media helped people to unite. Unlike some developing countries, which have the impact of superstitions and myths regarding natural disasters, this was not the case in the Katrina-affected community, so it did not disturb organisations and the media responding to the disaster (Tierney, Bevc, & Kuligowski, 2006). In empirical research into the New Orleans catastrophe in 2006, Beaudoin (2007) has drawn some ideas about media effects and public safety in a time of crisis.
A multiple method used to examine the practices through which journalists constructed newspaper stories about Stony Creek, Ontario, revealed that there are three themes important to the media. These are the process, environmental degradation and technology (Wakefield & Elliott, 2003). News coverage increased during the heightening of the controversy. Interestingly, reliance on the print media was sometimes impeded by a distrust of the material contained within. This finding has considerable implications for risk communication policies and environmental management related decisions (Wakefield & Elliott, 2003). Wakefield and Elliott's study (2003) was a quantitative content analysis of risk communication, which was conducted to explore the role of local media, in a real world context, and in the creation and interpretation of media messages.
A survey in the USA, based on local mass media covering disaster events, revealed that, for electronic media, the size of the organisation is important in influencing its degree of coverage and the amount of change that occurs in its normal structure (Wenger & Quarantelli, 1989). However, the print media undergoes fewer alterations to their normal story structure and processing than the electronic media.
Comparison of coverage of disaster news in the USA and Japan was found to be similar in many ways. Cross-societal comparison of disaster reporting underlines that those disasters are treated as major news stories. Cross-media differences in utilisation and exposure, at time of the disasters, are similar (E. Quarantelli & Wenger, 1991). Aside from these similarities, there are differences as well. In the USA, all media houses have equal responsibility, but, in Japan, NHKTV as the government media house, is legally bound to disseminate information and inform the public during disasters. Similarly, in the USA, many mass media representatives do not view themselves as being part of the community emergency response effort (E. Quarantelli & Wenger, 1991).
2.2 The media's framing of disaster stories
The concept of news framing refers to the "principles of selection, emphasis, and presentation composed of little tacit theories about what exists, what happens, and what matters" (Gitlin, 2003). Frames constitute ways of organising ideas into meaningful categories and privilege some aspects over others (R.M Entman, 1993). The framing of disasters and environmental issues is now regarded as an important aspect of disaster reporting in the world. Boykoff and Roberts (2007a, 2007b) identified a trend towards the framing of anthropogenic climate science, within a sample of USA national press and television news coverage between 1995 and 2006, as being contentious. The main aspect of framing the news varies differently from topic to topic. The coverage of SARS in China, for example, probably has a very different core frame reporting system, compared to international news and current affairs. The frames are extended by the changing patterns of news-making processes (Chyi & McCombs, 2004). A qualitative content analysis of newspaper coverage on SARS in China has shown that the interaction of increasing external pressure and internal self-awareness forced the Chinese government to change its crisis management strategies (Meng & Berger, 2008). The massive reporting of SARS drew the attention of the world and the government was portrayed as the stakeholder most responsible for responding to this catastrophe.
An understanding of how the news media frames crisis stories is important to crisis managers and public relations practitioners in determining the appropriate crisis response strategies and messages (An & Gower, 2009). News directors, editors, and reporters must make decisions based upon the crises in the community. Likewise, people and society have limited experience with disasters, so it is uncertain to understand and predict what will happen in the future (Scanlon, 2009). When disasters strike, the people look to the media to find the answers. Button (2010) describes this role as "the outcomes of important questions – who is to blame, who is to be compensated, who suffers disproportionate risks, and who should be involved in essential decisions to overcome the crisis". The media decides which stories are the most newsworthy and how the media packages information and participates in the construction of reality. Likewise, how the media informs us about the ideological elements that seek to maintain the status quo of the community in the wake of a disaster (Button, 2010).
There are other examples of how the media portray disasters. A study of the reporting of the Indian Ocean tsunami in Swedish newspapers conducted by Olofsson (2011) shows that the tsunami was framed as a Swedish disaster, almost exclusively focusing on Sweden and Swedish victims in Thailand. There was a division between 'us' and 'them' with regard to the issue of nationalism after the catastrophe. The conclusion of this qualitative content analysis was that mediated frames of catastrophes are influenced by stereotypes and nationalistic values (Olofsson, 2011).
Bissell (2011), studying the news coverage of the BP oil spill of 2010 in the USA, found that news stories from four news outlets over a 3½ month time-frame indicated that the most frequently used source was official, and that conflict and responsibility frames were mostly used.
Liu (2009), in a study of media releases issued by state emergency management agencies (SEMAs) in the USA, found that SEMAs released more information about disaster planning than disaster response. The human interest frame was employed in less than one per cent of the media releases and, hurricane Katrina was the most frequently quoted disaster in the releases. Likewise, a study conducted by Morse and Miles (2007) found that, out of four capital types (natural, human, social, and built) as a frame of reference associated with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita (2005), natural capital received relatively less attention in the media coverage. On the other hand, the 'attribution of responsibility' frame was the most predominantly used in crisis news coverage of some USA media in 2006 (Cho & Gower, 2006).
There have been other studies of the role of social media in disaster events that have suggested suitable frameworks to deal with disasters (Lang & Benbunan-Fich, 2010). For example, a study of the use of social media in disasters has made a bold step to formalise the use of social media by proposing a framework based on four modules: (1) selection, (2) facilitation, (3) deliberation, and (4) aggregation. The utility of the proposed framework is exemplified via case studies of social media use in two disaster situations; one following the Virginia Tech tragedy, a man-made disaster, and the other during the 2009 British blizzard, a natural disaster (Lang & Benbunan-Fich, 2010).
The majority of research, in the area where media and disasters collide, focuses upon the media's role as transmitters of official warnings, preparedness, bulletins, and recovery information to the masses (Cowan, et al., 2002; Ploughman, 1995; E. L. Quarantelli, 1996). Aside from these roles, the media can also expose the losses of economy and human capital and urge the formulation of policy.
Other studies have shown that "while natural disasters can have adverse and long-lasting effects on human capital, there is much that policy can do about it" (Baez, De la Fuente, & Santos, 2010). Some developed nations have increased spending for disaster management, including in the media sector. However, a global assessment report relying on four case studies, in de la Fuente's 2009 study conducted in Colombia, Mexico, Nepal, and Indonesia, reveals that, in all countries except Colombia, post-disaster spending was significantly greater than pre-disaster spending (Williams, 2011).
2.3 Nepalese media in disaster management
In an earlier section, we mentioned that the Nepalese media has developed very rapidly, but the coverage by these media has not effectively reflected the people's problems, or has supported disaster management strategies. There have not been any particular studies with regard to the media and disasters in Nepal, but limited studies have been conducted focusing on the role of the media in general political, human rights, business, and environment related issues. However, the role of risk communication is urged in various types of programs, policies, and documents relating to disaster risk reduction strategies. Nepal has not been capable of operating effective media activities, due to the lack of proper policy, guidelines, and capability. National level policy documents have focused on communication and awareness in general, but there is no substantiation about how mass public awareness could be raised in response to disasters (Chhetri, 2010).
There have been criticisms over the lack of suitable Media Infrastructure in Nepal. In 2011, USAID in Kathmandu said that key media infrastructure is vulnerable to disasters and there is a lack of attention to disaster risk reduction (USAID-Nepal, 2011). Journalists expressed their need to have more technical knowledge about disaster risk reduction or specialised journalism approaches to upgrade the capacity to disseminate information and news on disasters. This report said that FM radio stations are partnering with local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to broadcast public messages on preparedness for recurrent hazards.
There has been another concern about these radio stations. Local FM Radio is available in most of the regions in Nepal but Radio stations; themselves are vulnerable to lightning strikes, which render the entire system inoperable. Organizational contingency or recovery plans are lacking according to all media respondents. (USAID-Nepal, 2011).
On the other hand, established in 1996, the Disaster Preparedness Network (DPNet-Nepal) is a loose association of individual organisations within the development sector in Nepal, which are concerned with disaster management objectives. DPNet has more than 100 institutional members involved in the disaster risk reduction program. Some media outlets and their activities are also included in the program and policies of DPNet-Nepal (DPNet Nepal, 2011). Yet, there is a lack of proper framework to include the media in disaster management in Nepal.
Since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1990, the Nepalese media have been considered as the watchdog, promising to liberate politics from pre-political and anti-political impulses. However, previously the media was mostly controlled by the government and news priority used to reflect government policy. The king, other royals, prime minister, and political parties were the priority for the media; this trend lasted until 2005. The priority of news was based on the importance of the event. Parliamentary proceedings and court verdicts considered to be of national importance were a priority for news reporting (Mainali, 2002).
The Nepalese media have been increasingly effective in exposing the negligence of decision-makers since the democratic system has been in place. In a book titled 'Mass Media, Trust and Governance in Nepal', Dev Raj Dahal (2002) highlighted the newspapers' reporting patterns. He explained that Nepalese media reported widespread hunger in the remote districts of Humla-Jumla, which caused the death of 550 persons in 1998. At that time of major epidemics, journalists were pressing the government for an immediate intervention to address the affected people in the countryside.
Nepal is rich in community radio, but the role of community radio stations is not well identified in regard to disasters. However, Radio Sagarmatha, as the first south Asian community radio station, includes programming on social development themes, ranging from HIV/AIDS control and teaching English by radio to earthquake safety and disasters in general (Bhattarai & Ojha, 2010). This type of media responsibility has extended to other community radio stations in Nepal, which are run under the umbrella, guidance, and collaboration of Radio Sagarmatha.
Pradhan (2007), in a report published by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), highlighted that the media can play a positive role by informing people in disaster stricken areas, where portable radios may well be the only medium left in operation. In addition, the media can arouse public compassion to help, not only compatriots, but also people from other nations in times of disaster. A critical role for the media needs to be defined in preparedness for all phases of disasters, because the involvement of the media can help people learn what to do when disasters strike (Pradhan, 2007).
In the Nepalese context, disaster related issues have yet to be reflected strongly in the media. Sometimes news about a crisis is reported negatively, however, the media plays an important role in informing people about crises and they mitigate various rumours by providing accurate and credible information to the public (Gurung, 2011).
A survey study titled 'Journalism in Transition: Media, Information Flows and Conflict in Nepal' (Gurung, 2011) found that the media have both negative and positive impacts on the public. Often, the community does not go to the authorities directly, but tries to solve an issue by themselves, no matter how serious it is. If well managed, media can provide information relating to the crisis or disaster that has happened in the community (Gurung, 2011).
Furthermore, the increase in the use of social media has been significantly effective in disseminating information (Dixit, et al., 2002; Lang & Benbunan-Fich, 2010). In Nepal, social media's role has gradually increased; however, traditional media, such as radio and newspapers, are generally people's first choice.
The government and policymakers in Nepal may have not realised the role of media in keeping people well-informed during a disaster (Pradhan, 2007). The National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management (NSDRM, 2009) talks about the role of most stakeholders in disaster risk reduction. However, the role of the media has not been specifically mentioned in the NSDRM document. This document is a 'road map' that provides long-term guidance in the area of disaster risk management planning and implementation in Nepal.
The need for and importance of private or community sectors' involvement in collaboration on large, social issues, such as disasters, epidemics, and environmental problems, is a must. Corporate, social responsibilities of the media houses and media professionals have been a major challenge for disaster risk reduction in Nepal. However, there are opportunities as well (Karki, 2002). The most important challenge is to address the lack of public awareness, and the inability to demand corporate social responsibility initiatives from enterprises such as media outlets or agencies.
3 Theoretical Understanding of Media Messaging in Disasters
Theoretical understanding of the development of the press and social responsibilities of the modern media outlets to the public contribute to an understanding of the operational policies of the media in regard to the management of disasters. This approach is more practice oriented and includes its own self-regulatory arrangements that accord with its responsibility to the public (Siebert, Peterson, & Schramm, 2000). In a review of the evolution of agenda setting theory using studies from 1972 to 2004, McCombs points out three dimensions of media agenda setting as attention, prominence and valence (McCombs, 2005).
On the other hand the concept of media framing helps audiences understand, interpret the issues, events and stories. Framing also involves selecting and highlighting features of events or issues and making connections between them for the purpose of promoting a particular interpretation, evaluation and solution (R.M Entman, 1993; R.M. Entman, 2003,p.417). That is, journalists filter the information and disseminate it to the public in a way which is intended to create a certain meaning (Lowery & DeFleur, 1995,p.327). Framing promotes problem definition, causal interpretation, moral evaluation, and treatment recommendations for the item described (R.M Entman, 1993,p.52; R.M. Entman, 2003).
In this review, framing theory is understood as a second level agenda setting theory. McCombs in a recent study has suggested that in the language of the second level of agenda setting, ''framing is the selection of thematically related attributes for inclusion on the media agenda when a particular object is discussed'' (McCombs, 2005). As media content often relies on framing of the story, framing theory is an important approach to understanding the content identified from the media reporting and therefore is an important theoretical base for the research relating to media engagement in disaster risk reduction. Framing theory is an appropriate and relevant paradigm by which the studies of media contents are conducted. Similarly, prevention, preparedness, response, recovery (PPRR), "the comprehensive approach" is another fundamental concept of disaster and emergency management promoted in Australia and elsewhere (Crondstedt, 2002). Media frames used in the Nepalese media subject to test the compatibility with PPRR cycle.
4 Discussion
This review identifies gaps in knowledge and progress towards the implementation of the Post Hyogo framework of Action (2005-2015) in Nepal. In light of the significant impact of disasters in the past, the lack of substantive action and effective operation of the media in disasters concerning. Nepal has identified three priority areas including building community resilience, sustainable development and climate change induced disaster risk reduction. However the role of the media as a supporting agency has been mentioned without identifying any particular framework of media engagement during disasters. The first priority identifies the lists of stakeholders identified but the actions required include very limited responsibility of the media.
Within their respective mandate and scope, organizations including the Disaster Management Division of MoHA, and the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) shall work as support agencies in disaster response management (NDRF/MOHA, 2013). At present, the list of supporting agencies includes media bodies such as the Press Council, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Nepal television (NTV), Radio Nepal, Telecommunications Authority and relevant professional groups.
The gap between policy and action lies in the ability of Nepal to act effectively and to incorporate an appropriate model or framework for media activities into the disaster risk reduction strategy. The Nepalese media is increasingly covering the news as it relates to current affairs, politics, business, technology and arts. Mostly disasters are reported under the current affairs beat (subject of reporting). In spite of the substantial occurrence of disasters, the media in Nepal has a limited focus on disasters in electronic, online or print outlets. It means there has been little public and agency attention to, or discussion of, the disaster risk reduction strategy and improved operations by the media throughout the phases of PPRR cycle.
Documents relating to the government priorities have highlighted mechanisms to improve communication which are already being put in place including the creation of a new MOHA portal on DRM. However, the major challenge lies in further strengthening traditional and new media to undertake systematic work supported by the National Risk Reduction Consortium (NRRC) cross-Flagship communications group. The responsible and supporting agencies need to be responsible to the targeted communities (UNISDR, 2013a). Hence the focus is on enhancing media engagement in disaster risk management and for the responsible agencies including media to be held accountable to the communities.
Disasters have a significant impact in Nepal because human, economic, environmental and social infrastructures are vulnerable. Effective management of disasters can reduce their impact on the health and wellbeing of the community (M.B.P Chhetri, 2003). Disaster management capability is still developing in Nepal and there is the opportunity to enhance media involvement in disaster risk management as well.
Given the limited literature relating to media involvement in disaster management in Nepal, this study aimed to improve disaster communication by describing the way in which the media shapes the news. The media needs to be proactive and pay more attention to all angles or frames when preparing and disseminating information (Poudel, et al., 2014). Government agencies working in disaster management in Nepal circulate limited informative messages in their own way through the mass media in order to make people aware of natural disasters. However the coverage is low and not effective, because of the alternate focus of the journalist who is responsible for other 'beats' (M. B.P Chhetri, 2003).
In Nepal, both electronic and print media houses are reporting disaster management news and information, but these efforts have not been well managed and have not optimised access to information during disasters (Chhetri, 2011; NSDRM, 2009; Pradhan, 2007). There is need for an appropriate policy and disaster management framework or model for news production to regulate the media sector in the event of disasters. A disaster-prone country like Nepal should seize this opportunity to bring the media into the national efforts for disaster management. The media should be focused on the emerging demand for more 'enlightening' and 'helpful' information so that disaster managers and experts will benefit by selling the message of disaster reduction as an opportunity.
On the basis of understanding media framing in DRR, this paper addresses the implementation of the next phase of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) in Nepal as it seeks to streamline the development of plans. However, media involvement in disseminating real time information is limited. It is important to develop a policy in collaboration with Telecommunication, Media and Journalists for effectively using the reach of media and telecommunication network for information collection, sharing and dissemination for the communities at risk (UNISDR, 2013b). These findings contribute to the actions taken by the Nepal government and the United Nations office for disaster risk reduction (UNISDR) to upgrade the DisInventar data collection system and improve information sharing and prominence.
'Disaster through a Different Lens' Leoni (2011), issued after the successful, preliminary consultative meeting of UNISDR held in Geneva in 2007, focused on the influence of mass media as being a powerful force in policy change; bridging the information gap between communities and governments. A recent meeting of the Joint Civil Society in Switzerland highlighted the strengths and shortcomings of the current HFA (HFA/UNISDR, 2014a, 2014b). The draft position paper submitted by the Co-Chairs of the Post HFA Preparatory Committee recommended to promote national strategies to strengthen public education and awareness, risk information and knowledge through campaigns, social media, community mobilization and other available means (Pre zero draft IDRC-GRF, 2014). The draft proposed to continue promoting the use, application and affordability of, and access to, information and communication. The draft report proposed to improve access to space-based technologies and remotely-sensed earth observations (Pre zero draft IDRC-GRF, 2014). It is important to recall these suggestions when developing a post-2015 DRR Framework (HFA/UNISDR, 2014a, 2014b).
5 Conclusion
Media play a vital role in educating the public about disasters, warning of hazards, gathering and transmitting information about affected areas, alerting government officials, relief organizations, and the public to specific needs, and facilitating discussions about disaster preparedness and response. Although the media and disaster mitigation organizations do not necessarily have similar aims, without compromising the independence and integrity of either, much can be done to communicate essential information to the public to save lives and properties. Therefore, disaster mitigation organizations should seek to provide reliable information to the media, as soon as possible, in a concise and readily understandable form, and linked, where possible, to newsworthy events.
There have been limited studies conducted to describe the current status of the coverage of natural disasters in Nepal. For example, the preliminary findings on the reporting of NTV suggests that the media need to be more effective in reporting disasters in a balanced way and disaster management programs and policies need to be focused mostly on 'human interest', 'responsibility' and 'economic consequences' related issues with balanced reporting throughout the phases of PPRR cycle (Poudel, et al., 2014).
Media organizations should be encouraged to evaluate their reporting about disasters and, where appropriate, to work with disaster management stakeholders to improve the quality, accuracy, and reliability of disaster reporting. This is a time for media to take an active role at local, national, regional and global levels contributing to increased public awareness and understanding, and disseminating risk, hazard and disaster information in a simple, easy-to-understand and accessible manner. It is also a time to adopt specific disaster risk reduction communication policies; support early warning systems and stimulate a culture of prevention and strong community involvement.
Disaster management organizations should seek to develop working relationships with the media based on mutual trust and the recognition of differing characteristics, goals, and needs. Media and disaster mitigation organizations should take advantage of opportunities to work together, to provide relevant training for reporters and field personnel, to enhance disaster preparedness, mitigation and relief efforts and ensure the timeliness, quality, and accuracy of reporting about disasters.
This study provides some initial lessons for government, community and media to help improve the framing of disaster messages. Significantly, the review of the available literature including government documents highlights the prominence that should be given to flood, landslides, lightning, earthquake and climate change related disasters in Nepal.
Adhikari, D., Pokhrel, J., KC, S., & Rai, B. (2011). The media in the news 2010:An assessment report in the context of Nepal's post conflict transiotion(with South-central Asian trends). Kathmandu: Media Foundation Nepal
An, S.-K., & Gower, K. K. (2009). How do the news media frame crises? A content analysis of crisis news coverage. Public Relations Review, 35(2), 107-112. doi: 10.1016/j.pubrev.2009.01.010
Adhikari, D., Pokhrel, J., KC, S., & Rai, B. (2011). The media in the news 2010:An assessment report in the context of Nepal's post conflict transiotion(with South-central Asian trends). Kathmandu: Media Foundation Nepal
An, S.-K., & Gower, K. K. (2009). How do the news media frame crises? A content analysis of crisis news coverage. Public Relations Review, 35(2), 107-112. doi: 10.1016/j.pubrev.2009.01.010
Aryal, K. (2012). The history of disaster incidents and impacts in Nepal 1900–2005. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 3(3), 147-154. doi: 10.1007/s13753-012-0015-1
Aryal, K. R. (2007). Mapping Disaster Vulnerability from Historical Data in Nepal. Northumbria University, UK: Disaster and Development Centre.
Baez, J., De la Fuente, A., & Santos, I. (2010). Do natural disasters affect human capital? An assessment based on existing empirical evidence: Discussion paper series//Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit.
Beaudoin, C. E. (2007). Media Effects on Public Safety following Natural Disaster:Testing Lagged Dependent Variable models. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 84(4), 695-695-712.
Bennett, R., & Martin, D. (2002). Media reporting of Third World disasters: The journalist's perspective. Disaster Prevention and Management, 11(1), 33-42.
Bhandary, N., Dahal, R., & Okamura, M. (2012). Preliminary Understanding of the Seti River Debris-Flood in Pokhara, Nepal, on May 5th, 2012. [Technical Paper]. International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 6(4), 11.
Bhattarai, B., & Ojha, G. (2010). What's On Air: Community Radio Support Center (CRSC)/ Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ)
Bissell, K., & Yan, Y. (2011). The BP Oil Spill Disaster: A Content and Frame Analysis of News Coverage of the Oil Spill in National and Local Newspapers. Paper presented at the The annual meeting of the International Communication Association, , Boston, MA. http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p491416_index.html
Boykoff, M. T., & Roberts, J. T. (2007a). Media coverage of climate change: current trends, strengths, weaknesses. Human Development Report, 2008.
Boykoff, M. T., & Roberts, J. T. (2007b). Media coverage of climate change: current trends, strengths, weaknesses. Human Development Report(UNDP), 2008.
Bruns, A., Burgess, J. E., Crawford, K., & Shaw, F. (2012). # qldfloods and@ QPSMedia: Crisis Communication on Twitter in the 2011 South East Queensland Floods.
Button, G. (2010). Disaster Culture: Knowledge and Uncertainty in the Wake of Human and Environmental Catastrophe: Left Coast Press.
Chhetri, M. B. P. (2003). Risk management in Nepal: Organisations and programmes. Managerial Finance, 29(5/6), 20-20.
Chhetri, M. B. P. (2003). Risk management in Nepal: organisations and programmes. Managerial Finance, 29(5/6), 20-35.
Chhetri, M. B. P. (2010). Country Report on Disaster Governance in Nepal. Paper presented at the 4AMCDRR 25-28 October 2010 Democratic Republic of Korea(DRR). http://www.iawe.org/WRDRR/2010/Meenb.pdf
Chhetri, M. B. P. (2011). "Disaster Risk Reduction:Policy Implications for Nepal,Australia and Beyond",A Post Doctoral Research Work under Endeavour Research Fellowship. Brisbane: Queensland University of Technology(QUT).
Cho, S. H., & Gower, K. K. (2006). Framing effect on the public's response to crisis: Human interest frame and crisis type influencing responsibility and blame. Public Relations Review, 32(4), 420-422. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2006.09.011
Chyi, H. I., & McCombs, M. (2004). Media Salience and the Process of Framing: Coverage of the Columbine School Shootings. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 81(1), 22-35. doi: 10.1177/107769900408100103
Collins, A. E. (2009). Disaster and development (Vol. 8): Routledge.
Cowan, J., McClure, J., & Wilson, M. (2002). What a difference a year makes: How immediate and anniversary media reports influence judgements about earthquakes. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 5(3), 169-185. doi: 10.1111/1467-839x.00102
Crondstedt, M. (2002). Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery- an outdated concept? Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 17(2), 10-13.
Dahal, D. R. (2002). Mass Media, Trust and Governance in Nepal.
DesInventar. (2014). Disaster Information System-multi-hazard profile,Nepal (online database). Retrieved 2/11/2014, from desinventar-disaster information system http://www.desinventar.net/DesInventar/profiletab.jsp?countrycode=npl#more_info
Dixit, A., Nakarmi, M., Pradhnang, S., Basnet, S., Pandey, B., Bothara, J., . . . Tucker, B. (2002). Public awareness and social marketing: experiences of KVERMP. Paper presented at the Regional Workshop on Best Practice in Disaster Management, Bangkok.
Donohue, G. A., Tichenor, P. J., & Olien, C. N. (1995). A Guard Dog Perspective on the Role of Media. Journal of Communication, 45(2), 115-132. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-2466.1995.tb00732.x
DPNet Nepal. (2011). Partners of DPNET-Nepal. http://www.dpnet.org.np/index.php?pageName=institutional&page=1
Dynes, R. R., & Rodriguez, H. (2010). Finding and framing Katrina:The Social Construction of Disaster. In D. L. Brunsma, D. Overfelt, J. S. Picou & (Eds.), The sociology of Katrina: Perspectives on a modern catastrophe (2nd ed., pp. 25-36): Rowman & Littlefield,UK.
Entman, R. M. (1993). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm. Journal of Communication, 43(4), 51-58.
Entman, R. M. (2003). Cascading Activation: Contesting the White House's Frame After 9/11. Political Communication, 20(4), 415-432. doi: 10.1080/10584600390244176
Feeny, S., & Clarke, M. (2007). What Determines Australia's Response to Emergencies and Natural Disasters? [Article]. Australian Economic Review, 40(1), 24-36. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8462.2007.00439.x
Geo-Hazards International. (2011). Kathmandu Valley's Earthquake Scenario
Gitlin, T. (2003). The whole world is watching: Mass media in the making and unmaking of the new left: University of California Press.
Goldsborough, R. (2002). New Media and Disasters. [Article]. Teacher Librarian, 29(4), 34.
Gurung, R. (2011). Journalism in Transition:Media, Information Flows and Conflict in Nepal: International Alert-(IfP-EW).
Hachhethu, K., Kumar, S., & Subedi, J. (2009). Nepal in Transition: A Study on the Sate of Democracy: International IDEA.
Hannides, T. (2011). How effective is community radio in meeting the needs of remote communities in Nepal? Case study of Okhaldhunga, Nepal. Oxford Brookes University, Oxford. Retrieved from http://architecture.brookes.ac.uk/research/cendep/dissertations/TheodoraHannides.pdf
HFA/UNISDR. (2005). Hyogo Framework for Action(2005-2015) UNISDR/UNITED NATIONS.
HFA/UNISDR. (2014a). Consultations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. Paper presented at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction Preparatory Committee, Geneva. Compilation report on consultations retrieved from http://www.wcdrr.org/documents/wcdrr/prepcom1/Compilation_report.pdf
HFA/UNISDR. (2014b). Joint Civil Society Position on Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Paper presented at the Civil Society Forum in, Geneva. Compilation report on consultations retrieved from http://www.globalnetwork-dr.org/post2015/csos-endorsing-position-paper.html
IDRC-GRF. (2014). Proceedings of the International Disaster and Risk Conference. Paper presented at the 5th International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC Davos 2014, Davos ,Switzerland.
IFRC-NRCS. (2011). International Disaster Response Law (IDRL) in Nepal:A study on strengthening legal preparedness for international disaster response (pp. 68). Kathmandu: Nepal Red Cross Society(NRCS).
Karki, D. N. (2002). Corporate social responsibility and disaster reduction: Nepal country study. [Research Paper, Report ]. DFID Study in Nepal.
Lang, G., & Benbunan-Fich, R. (2010). The Use of Social Media in Disaster Situations: Framework and Cases (pp. 11-23): IGI Global.
Leoni, B. (2011). Disaster Through A different Lens:A guide for journalists covering disaster risk reduction: UNITED Nations(UNISDR).
Liu, B. F. (2007). Framing emergency management communication: How to generate media coverage for disaster messages. Paper presented at the AEJMC Convention, AEJMC Convention,Public Relations Division,Washington, D.C. Research Paper retrieved from http://citation.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/0/2/7/5/p202757_index.html
Liu, B. F. (2009). An analysis of US government and media disaster frames. [Aricle]. Journal of Communication Management, 13(3), 268-283. doi: 10.1108/13632540910976707
Lowery, S., & DeFleur, M. (1995). Milestones in Mass Communication Research: Media Effects: Longman.
Mainali, R. (2002). Radio Pledge. Kathmandu: (CRSC)/Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ)
Matsuoka, Y., Sharma, A., & Shaw, R. (2009). Hyogo framework for action and urban risk reduction in Asia. Urban Risk Reduction: An Asian Perspective (Community, Environment and Disaster Risk Management, Volume 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 1, 77-104.
McCombs, M. (2005). A Look at Agenda-setting: past, present and future. Journalism Studies, 6(4), 543-557. doi: 10.1080/14616700500250438
Meng, J., & Berger, B. K. (2008). Comprehensive dimensions of government intervention in crisis management: A qualitative content analysis of news coverage of the 2003 SARS epidemic in China. China Media Research, 4(1), 19-28.
Miles, B., & Morse, S. (2007). The role of news media in natural disaster risk and recovery. Ecological Economics, 63(2–3), 365-373. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2006.08.007
MoHA-Nepal-Government. (2013). Report of National Consultation on National Disaster Risk Management Platform (NDRMP) and Inputs for the Post-2015 Framework on DRR (HFA2). Kathmandu: Ministry of Home Affairs,Nepal.
MoHA-Nepal-Government, & DPNET-Nepal. (2013). Nepal Disaster Report 2013. In R. C. Neupane, L. P. Dhakal, K. B. Dhungana, K. R. Kaphle, P. K. Koirala & S. S. Jnavaly (Eds.). Kathmandu: Ministry of Home Affairs and DPNET Nepal.
Moskovitz, M. (1999). Managing the media during a crisis. [Article]. American City & County, 114(1), 54.
Nathan, R. (2011). Brisbane 2011: Lessons from large floods.
Nazari, M. R., Hassan, M. S. B. H., Parhizkar, S., & Osman, M. N. (2011). The Role of Broadcasting in Management of Natural Disasters. World Applied Sciences 14(2), 334-340.
NDRF/MOHA. (2013). National Disaster Response Framework(NDRF). Kathmandu: Ministry of Home Affairs Retrieved from http://moha.gov.np/home.
NEOC-MOHA. (2014). National Emergency Operation Center(NEOC) website, from http://www.neoc.gov.np/en/major-functions-3.html
Nepal MoHA. (2011). Nepal Disaster Report 2011::Policies ,Practices and Lessons. Kathmandu: Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Government of Nepal; and Disaster Preparedness Network-Nepal (DPNet-Nepal) with support from United Nations Development Programme Nepal (UNDP), ActionAid Nepal and National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal (NSET) Retrieved from http://www.dpnet.org.np/docs/reportManagement/e84248fd8bb96eaa7343be7043e85961.pdf.
Neuman, W. R., & Guggenheim, L. (2011). The Evolution of Media Effects Theory: A Six-Stage Model of Cumulative Research. Communication Theory, 21(2), 169-196. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2885.2011.01381.x
NSDRM. (2009). National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management. Kathmandu: Government of Nepal Ministry of Home Affairs Retrieved from http://www.un.org.np/sites/default/files/report/2010-08-06-nsdrm-in-eng-2009.pdf
Olofsson, A. (2011). The Indian Ocean tsunami in Swedish newspapers: nationalism after catastrophe. Disaster Prevention and Management, 20(5), 557-569.
Panday, R. K. (2009). Geographic Views on the Nepali Newspaper: An Analysis on Press Prints and Universal Understanding. The Third Pole: Journal of Geography Education, 5, 1-27.
Pantti, M., Wahl-Jorgensen, K., & Cottle, S. (2012). Disasters and the Media (Vol. 7). New York: Peter Lang.
Ploughman, P. (1995). The American Print News Media 'Construction' of Five Natural Disasters. Disasters, 19(4), 308-326.
Poudel, B. R., FitzGerald, G., Clark, M. J., Mehta, A., & Poudyal Chhetri, M. B. (2014). How does Nepal Television (NTV) frame natural disasters? A qualitative content analysis of news scripts using news frames and PPRR cycle. Paper presented at the IDRC Davos 2014 Extended Abstracts Oral presentations, Special Panels, Sessions and Workshops.
Pradhan, B. K. (2007). Disaster Preparedness for Natural Hazards:Current Status in Nepal. In M. G. Eriksson, G. M. Rana & J. M. Mendez (Eds.), (pp. 280). kathmandu-Nepal: The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
Pre zero draft IDRC-GRF. (2014). Proceedings of the International Disaster and Risk Conference:Pre zero draft of the post 2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction Paper presented at the 5th International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC Davos 2014, Davos ,Switzerland.
Quarantelli, E., & Wenger, D. (1991). A Cross Sectional Comparison of Disaster News: Reporting in Japan and United States. In L. Wilkins & P. Patterson (Eds.), Risky Business:Communicating Issues of Science,Risk,and Public Policy (pp. 97-111). New York: Greenwood Press.
Quarantelli, E. L. (1996). Local mass media operations in disasters in the USA. Disaster Prevention and Management, 5(5), 5-10.
Quarantelli, E. L. E. (2002). The Role of the Mass Communication System in Natural and Technological Disasters and Possible Extrapolation to Terrorism Situations. Risk Management, 4(4), 7-21.
Rahmanzadeh, S. A. (2012). The Role of National Media in Providing Information about Social Deviations.
Scanlon, J. (2009). Research about the Mass Media and Disaster: Never (Well Hardly Ever) The Twain Shall Meet Disciplines, Disasters and Emergency Management Textbook Retrieved from http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/downloads/ScanlonJournalism.pdf
Seid-Aliyeva, D. E. (2006). Role of Mass Media in the Disaster Preparedness and Sustainable Development of Society. [Article]. AIP Conference Proceedings, 825(1), 79-83. doi: 10.1063/1.2190733 Semetko, H. A., & Valkenburg, P. M. (2000). Framing European politics: a content analysis of press and television news. Journal of Communication, 50(2), 93-109. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-2466.2000.tb02843.x
Shoemaker, P. J., & Reese, S. D. (1996). Mediating the message: Longman White Plains, NY.
Siebert, F. S., Peterson, T., & Schramm, W. (2000). Four theories of the press: The authoritarian, libertarian, social responsibility, and Soviet communist concepts of what the press should be and do (1902,1956 ed.). N.Straford,NH,USA: Ayer Company Publishers,Inc.
Sinaga, S. T. (2011). The Interplay of Global Warming Framing In News Media Coverage In 1988-2009. Texas Tech University, Texas. Retrieved from http://repositories.tdl.org/ttu-ir/bitstream/handle/2346/23517/Sinaga_Simon_diss.pdf?sequence=2
Tierney, K., Bevc, C., & Kuligowski, E. (2006). Metaphors matter: Disaster myths, media frames, and their consequences in Hurricane Katrina. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 604(1), 57.
UN-General Assembly. (2014). Compilation report on consultations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Geneva,Switzerland.
UNDP-Nepal. (2009). Global Assessment of Risk:Nepal Country Report (pp. 194). Pulchowk-Kathmandu, Nepal: United Nations Development Programme.
UNISDR. (2011). HFA Progress on Asia -Pacific. In A. Sharma, V. Falcao & V. Viswanathan (Eds.), PROGRESS REVIEW OF HFA 2011-2013 ASIA-PACIFIC (pp. 46). UNISDR Secretariat: UNISDR Asia Pacific.
UNISDR. (2013a). HFA 2 Priorities from Nepal. UNISDR Secretariat.
UNISDR. (2013b). HFA monitoring and review through a multi stakeholder engagement process 2013:HFA Monitor Template of Nepal.
UNISDR. (2013c). THE HYOGO FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2011–2013. In U. A. Pacific (Ed.), PROGRESS REVIEW OF HFA 2011-2013 ASIA-PACIFIC (pp. 58). UNISDR Secretariat: UNISDR Asia Pacific.
USAID-Nepal. (2011). U.S. Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Framework - Nepal. kathmandu.
Vasterman, P., Yzermans, C. J., & Dirkzwager, A. J. E. (2005). The role of the media and media hypes in the aftermath of disasters. Epidemiologic Reviews, 27, 107-114. doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxi002
Wakefield, S. E. L., & Elliott, S. J. (2003). Constructing the News: The Role of Local Newspapers in Environmental Risk Communication. The Professional Geographer, 55(2), 216-226. doi: 10.1111/0033-0124.5502009
Wenger, D. E. (1985). Mass media and disasters.
Wenger, D. E., & Quarantelli, E. L. (1989). Local mass media operations, problems and products in disasters.
Williams, G. (2011). GAR 2011-Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction:Study on Disaster Risk Reduction,Decentralization and Political Economy (pp. 38).
World Bank. (2005). Natural Disaster Hotspots:Case Studies. In W. Bank (Ed.).
World Coference on Disaster Reduction. (2005). Report of the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (pp. 42). Kobe,Hyogo,Japan: United Nations.
Poudel, B. R., Fitzgerald, G., Clark, M., Mehta, A. and Poudyal, M. (2015): Disaster Management in Nepal: Media engagement in the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. In: Planet@Risk, 3(2): 1-4, Davos: Global Risk Forum GRF Davos.


text:
Microsoft Social Engagement 2017 Update 1.4 is ready and will be released in May 2017. This article describes the features, fixes, and other changes that are included in this update.
Microsoft Social Engagement 2017 Update 1.4 introduces the following features:
We are extending our recently introduced Microsoft Power BI content pack for Social Engagement with the new Engagement Analytics report; adding to the Engagement Performance and Team Performance reports previously released. The Engagement Analytics report provides you additional insights regarding your engagement on social media with metrics based on location, sentiment, tags and authors. The data model is also enhanced to include these additional dimensions giving you more power to explore and analyze your Social Engagement data.
The Social Selling Assistant experience received a first polishing pass: The Done button is now next to all other actions at the bottom of the card. We adapted the forms in the Social Selling Assistant configuration and Social Engagement Settings page User Preferences to industry standards. When editing those forms the Save and Cancel buttons are now the bottom of the input form. Additionally, the main navigation now contains a direct link to the Post view in Analytics, filtered for private messages, so you can get to your customers messages in a single click.
In addition to the new features, Update 1.4 addresses the following issues and improvements:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- In the Pines
- Mountain Sweetheart
- Mistreated Blues
- Johnson City Hop
- Are You Sure?
- The Rose with a Broken Stem
- Jack of Diamonds
- Otto Wood
- Richmond Square
- Will, The Weaver
- Lindy
- Working on the Railroad
- Carolina's Best
- Banjo Sam
- New River Train
- Little Bunch of Roses
- That Lonesome Valley
- Honeysuckle Rag
- A Pretty Gal's Love
- Tom Dooley
- The Longest Train
- Sweet Freedom
- Sunny Home in Dixie
- My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains
In the early days of the recording industry, North Carolina was a hotbed of string bands playing traditional Appalachian folk-rooted music. This compilation collects 24 such recordings from the era immediately preceding and following the onset of the Depression, many of them quite obscure. Listeners with a general knowledge and appreciation of early American folk recordings might have heard of the Dixon Brothers and Mainer's Mountaineers, but for the most part, these performers will probably be unfamiliar to everybody except scholars and aficionados in the field. While they might have originated in the same region, this music shares many of the characteristics of early American recordings of what was then marketed as hillbilly music: plaintive heartfelt singing (and sometimes harmonizing); lively ensemble playing by varying combinations of guitar, fiddle, and banjo; and a repertoire growing out of traditional folk songs, even if the songs were sometimes written by the musicians (such as the one penned by Cranford & Thompson in honor of outlaw Otto Wood). The most renowned of these specific tracks by far is the first recorded version of "Tom Dooley" (by Grayson & Whitter in 1929), about 30 years before the Kingston Trio took it to the top of the charts, though both the tune and arrangement are much different in this early guise. Some other songs continue to echo as standards in the American popular music consciousness, such as "That Lonesome Valley" (here done by Carolina Ramblers String Band), "In the Pines" (here performed by "Dock" Walsh), and a variation of "In the Pines," "The Longest Train" (here presented by Mainer's Mountaineers). The 24-page booklet is of exceptional quality, with historical liner notes that comment upon each track and even offer a history of outlaw Otto Wood, as well as superb vintage photos of North Carolina folk musicians.
Product Details
|Release Date:
|Old Hat Ent.
Album Credits
Performance CreditsTom Cooper Guitar
J.E. Mainer Fiddle,Vocals
Wade Mainer Banjo
Ernest V. Stoneman Guitar
Tom Ashley Guitar,Vocals
Dorsey M. Dixon Guitar,Vocals
Roy Harvey Guitar
Charlie Poole Banjo
Gwen Foster Guitar,Harmonica
Guy Brooks Fiddle
Bob Cranford Harmonica,Vocals
Howard Dixon Steel Guitar,Vocals
Garley Foster Guitar,Harmonica,Vocals,Human Whistle
G.B. Grayson Fiddle,Vocals
Steve Ledford Fiddle,Vocals
Paul Miles Banjo
Zeke Morris Guitar,Vocals
A.P. Thompson Guitar,Vocals
Doc Walsh Banjo,Vocals
Henry Whitter Guitar,Spoken Word
Clarence "Bud" Dooley Guitar,Tenor (Vocal)
Norman Woodlieff Guitar
Lonnie Austin Fiddle
Wilmer Watts Banjo
Mack Woolbright Banjo,Vocals
Lake Howard Guitar
Walter "Kid" Smith Vocals
Benny Jarrell Fiddle,Vocals
Daddy John Love Guitar,Vocals
Odell Smith Fiddle
Lucy Terry Piano
Clay "Henry" Everhart Banjo
Fisher Hendley Banjo,Vocals,Spoken Word
Marshall Small Banjo
George Ledford Vocals
Taft Ledford Guitar
Audie Rodgers Guitar,Vocals
Oscar Jenkins Banjo
Clarence Greene Fiddle,Guitar,Vocals
Charlie Parker Guitar,Vocals
Frank Jenkins Banjo,Fiddle
Mutt Evans Guitar,Vocals
Daniel J. Nicholson Banjo,Vocals
Technical CreditsBob Carlin Information
Wayne Martin Liner Notes
Tony Russell Information
Kip Lornell Information
Marshall Wyatt Producer,Audio Production,Information
Customer Reviews
Average Review


text:
In a Guardian article today, Ben Goldacre wrote that clinical research into the effectiveness of many prescription drugs is often only published when the results are favourable, i.e. the pharmaceutical companies have a great deal of sway when it comes to the studies that are released to healthcare professionals. He noted that this is not common knowledge – that "these problems have been protected from public scrutiny because they're too complex to capture in a soundbite."
This summed up for me the nature of our contemporary media, and is a topic that I did a bit of research on for my undergrad dissertation. Ours is a media-saturated society, and though it is predominantly visual, we are also bombarded with a great deal of sonic information, especially advertising. The cost of advertising in media such as tv and radio is measured in seconds, which means that companies want to cram their whole ethos into 30 seconds or so. Hundreds of television channels means that many people constantly 'flick' through, watching tiny bits of programmes. We spend hours on Facebook and Twitter reading mini updates about people's lives. Pop songs are usually no longer than three minutes. And a 2010 study cited in this article from The Onion found that many people have difficulty reading through a large chunk of text, if it is not broken up with pictures.
Collectively we have an extremely short attention span. I think that this could be leading to a reduction in our ability to listen attentively. Also, as Goldacre claimed, the public is failing to pay attention to many important issues, if they are too longwinded, if they can't fit into 140 characters. As you might have noticed from this blog, I am on a personal mission to combat this problem by writing long, rambling posts! 🙂


text:
Making choices about childbirth: a study of twenty women's birth preparations and experiences in Calgary, Alberta
AdvisorFurniss, Elizabeth
AuthorBreibish, Keely Irene
Typemaster thesis
MetadataShow full item record
AbstractThis thesis presents and explores the paths followed by twenty women in Calgary, Alberta as they approached and ultimately passed through the experience of childbirth, all but one of them for the first time. Twelve of the women in the study chose a 'standard' or 'conventional' path that led to birth in the hospital with a physician; eight women chose paths leading to 'alternative births' in different places or with different care providers. By analysing information collected through interviews, participation in prenatal classes and in the literature of childbirth, this study provides insight into the birth-related choices available to parents in Calgary. The focus of my research is to understand how pregnancy and birth were shaped for these women by looking at the choices they made preceding and during childbirth, and exploring how those choices were influenced by the cultural, social, historical, political and economic contexts in which they occurred.
Bibliography: p. 187-197


text:
A BRAVE tradition of life saving on the treacherous North Sea is celebrating a special anniversary.
Staithes and Runswick RNLI volunteer lifeboat team is marking the 30th anniversary of the reopening of the lifeboat station at Staithes on Saturday.
Since 1978, the lifeboat has launched on service 387 times, an average of 13 calls a year.
It has saved 73 lives and helped 169 other people.
There has been an RNLI lifeboat stationed at either Staithes or Runswick since 1866, and for many years there was a lifeboat in both villages simultaneously, but in 1938, the lifeboat station at Staithes closed due to lack of manpower while Runswick station was kept open.
RNLI spokesman Lee Jackson said: "The population of Runswick was diminishing and the lifeboat was mainly being manned by men from Staithes.
"At the end of 1976 discussions began about reopening Staithes station via one of the RNLI's new high speed Atlantic 21 class inshore lifeboats.
"The present lifeboat at Staithes is an Atlantic 75, 23-footer, fitted with two 70hp outboards, with a top speed of 33 knots.
"In 1978, the RNLI reopened the station at Staithes and closed Runswick Bay.
"The lifeboat at Runswick was The Royal Thames, a 37ft Oakley class offshore craft with a speed of around eight knots. But it could withstand heavy seas and tow the largest fishing boats. There was great concern among local fisherman about taking away such a boat to replace it with a smaller semi-rigid one.
"On April 12 1978, the Atlantic 21 Lord Brotherton arrived at Staithes and was declared fully operational on April 25.
"The station reopened as Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat Station and on Saturday June 17, a ceremony named the lifeboat and officially reopened facilities."
Then on June 30 of that year, The Royal Thames was withdrawn and the Runswick station closed. The Lord Brotherton served at Staithes until 1989, when it was succeeded by the Ellis Sinclair.
Then in 2002, the station received a new Atlantic 75 called Pride of Leicester.
Mr Jackson, helmsman and press officer of Staithes Lifeboat, said: "The Atlantic class lifeboats have more than proved their worth.
"They are versatile and fast, can get close inshore, but are still capable of towing quite large fishing boats and yachts."
Crew and friends are holding an open day from 10am-4pm on Saturday to mark the occasion and for the public to meet the crew and view the facilities.
There will also be a blessing service at 2pm.


text:
Meet Your SC2ITL Playoff Teams - ReG Gaming
ReG Gaming, formerly Russian Elite Guardians, is one of the Russian teams taking part in the SC2ITL. Honestly, I do not know much about them (as is the case with a lot of the Russian teams), however they have done surprisingly well to make it into the playoffs. They looked strong throughout the early stages of the league and only lost matches to the very best.
Going into the playoffs they are going to be one of the teams to watch out for - they took AT Gaming to their limits in a 3-4 series and they will do the same to any other team. Sometimes, being unknown and underrated can be your biggest weapon. Also their line-up consists mostly of Protoss players, which could be a fairly large factor in their current success...
Okay but really - they've done great to make it so far and the only way we are going to learn more about them is by watching them in the playoffs! We managed to get a hold of their manager for a few very short questions. His English is not the best and so we have edited his answers to be more readable as well as taking some translations from Google Translate.
* The following interview answers were translated / rephrased as best and truly as possible.
Wardi : Have you enjoyed playing in the league?
ReaLPoG : Yes I think it was nice.
Wardi : Your team isn't very well known, do you want to tell us a bit about yourselves?
ReaLPoG : Long ago in the days of StarCraft BroodWar there was a nice friendly team of Super Russia which was not only a good game structure and organisation , but also something more .
All the people there were a united unity , speaking the motto of the clan - IN STRENGTH WE UNITE!
Sooner or later it sadly had all come to an end and the clan Super Russia on SC BW ceased to exist. But the team manager [SR] ReaLPoG remained true to the clan to its very end .Years passed in the scene and the great game continued.
Then StarCraft II came, and ReaLPoG decided not to try again to create a new team for a new discipline , but a team of the same principles and foundations. Remembering the old days he took up the case and now the team ReG Gaming exists.
Yes it is another time , another game , another team , but the main thing is that we have a motto which remains the same no matter what! IN STRENGTH WE UNITE!
Wardi : Did you expect to make the playoffs and now you are here, what is your goal?
ReaLPoG : We wanted to show good results and we did. In the future, we will try to play as best as possible.
Wardi : Thanks for your time, do you have any shout outs or sponsors you want to mention?
ReaLPoG : Thank you to any fans and supporters.
Thanks to ReaLPoG for his time and best of luck to him and his team in the playoffs. They are probably by far the underdog team - but what will that mean for their performance?


text:
Latest News
Pike County mine ordered to close
A Pike County mine was ordered closed because water had built up in sealed parts of the mine, making work unsafe, state officials said. The mine will be allowed to pump the water into Rockhouse Creek in order to reopen safely.
The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration ordered Sidney Coal Co.'s Freedom Energy Mine in Belfry closed last week, said Karen Wilson of the state Energy and Environment Cabinet.
The state is allowing a 30-day discharge permit into Rockhouse Creek so the company can remove the water behind the mine seals and allow safety inspections. If safe, the mine can reopen.
The coal company laid off or displaced 162 miners because of the closure, the state said in a news release.


text:
Our in-depth take on the latest trending topics.
Primary phone:
+1 416-862-3606
+1 416-862-7661
Download vCard
Primary office:
Areas of expertise:
Connect via LinkedIn
Gretel Best is a senior law clerk and certified eDiscovery specialist in Gowling WLG's Toronto office, supporting legal professionals in the advocacy department.
Gretel works primarily on large corporate/commercial litigation matters, assisting clients and legal professionals in all areas of litigation, including documentary production, examinations for discovery, trials, appeals, inquiries, arbitrations and Small Claims court matters.
She has extensive experience in large electronic discovery matters, as well as forensic electronic document preservation, collection and review for the purposes of litigation. She is also experienced in various eDiscovery litigation support software platforms, including Relativity, AD Summation, iCONECT, Caselogistix, Clearwell and Ringtail.
Gretel is an ACEDS Certified eDiscovery Specialist and holds an Osgoode Hall Law School Certificate in eDiscovery, Records Management, Information Governance and Privacy.


text:
Curled dusty toes,
dreamy winged ambitions,
soaring, sailing wishes,
breathy wind secrets,
warm ray dances,
and sweet promises of bloom.
Childhood's melody sung
and spring's
beckoning call
There are varied medicaments for variant cases. You can get medications from the comfort of your home. A lot of medicines are used to treat failure to get an erection. Nowadays a lot of articles were published about sildenafil citrate 100mg. No doubts "sildenafil over the counter" is a extremely complicated problem. Questions, like "sildenafil 100mg", refer to numerous types of soundness problems. Moreover, this may turn on high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a venous leak. Like all drugs, Viagra have divers unwanted effects. Don't forget, the only way to avoid spurious drugs is to get recipe remedies like Viagra from a reputable source with which you are familiar.


text:
Looking For Effective Stop Smoking Advice? Try The Tips Below
Lots of people discover that it is very difficult to stop smoking. No one method works for everyone. You might have to research, and look for methods that will suit your needs. Try the advice listed below, and you might find that quitting smoking is easier than what you thought.
Be easy when you stop smoking. Do not attempt quitting the cold turkey way. There's a huge chance you'll fail if you use this method. Since nicotine is so addictive, it is best to wean yourself off. You'll be better equipped to make it through withdrawal and quit smoking permanently.
Take each day one at a time. It's a slow process that takes patience and determination. Don't waste your time thinking about next year, next month or even next week. Just go through it one day at a time, just getting rid of the smoking habit in the short term.
Speak with a doctor if you are trying to stop smoking but are coming across difficulty. There are prescription medications, including certain antidepressants, that can make the process of quitting more tolerable. They may also offer other avenues of support or treatment.
Stop Smoking
To avoid experiencing weight gain after you stop smoking, eat a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables. The habit of eating these things can really help in controlling the weight gain that is associated with quitting. When you stop smoking, your body will crave foods. To stay healthy, eat healthy foods instead of junk.
Have people that you know you can trust to help you stop smoking. It is vital you tell them you need and value their support, and you can do without them being judgmental. Tell them that you'll probably be irrational and in a depressed mood first. It is difficult to stop smoking, so you need the support of loved ones.
Before setting a quit date or otherwise planning your quitting process, you must be committed to succeeding. A lot of people usually fail in quitting due to the fact that they do not have the correct mindset and they tend to give up easily. Motivate yourself by considering each of the powerful motivations that you have for quitting.
Quit Smoking
When you are going to quit smoking, let your family and friends know. They will keep you on track and encourage you when you are feeling weak. Having people around you that builds a support system has got to be one of the best ways you can quit smoking. Setting up your support system helps you be much more likely to achieve goals related to quitting.
When you quit smoking, clean your home thoroughly, if you smoked indoors. This includes carpets, curtains, walls and even furniture. Instead of smelling smoke when you come home, you'll smell clean, fresh fragrances. This will reduce the temptation to smoke.
As you begin your journey to a smoke free lifestyle, plan a series of rewards as you reach certain milestones. Choose rewards which will be given when you have quit for 24 hours, 7 days and then 4 weeks. Make sure that you put your reward list in a spot where you can see it daily. It might provide inspiration and motivation during difficult times.
Remind yourself of the bleak consequences smoking has on your health. Studies have shown one in five people that die in the U.S. have to do with smoking. Do not become a statistic.
Stop Smoking
The unfortunate truth is that quitting smoking can be very hard, and there isn't any one technique that works for everyone. It's not impossible to stop smoking. If you know some effective techniques, and have the right motivation, you will be able to stop smoking. Try these methods out, and you will be amazed at their effectiveness.


text:
How long does a spray tan last?
The color you get from a spray tan won't fade away, but it will disappear as your body naturally sloughs off dead skin cells. Only your top layer of skin cells receive color; these skin cells are already dead, which means it is only a matter of time before they slough off. After about 5 to 7 days, nearly all of these cells will be gone and you will return to your normal color.
How should I prepare for a spray tan?
There are two big must-do spray tan tips that you should follow before you spray tan: Exfoliate and moisturize.
The night before you spray tan, take a good exfoliant and loofah sponge with you into the shower and scrub off all those dead skin cells. Spray tan only colors your outermost layer of skin, so why waste your tan on skin cells that are about to slough off? Scrubbing down to that new layer of skin will help ensure that your color lasts for a full 5 to 7 days.
Moisturizing your skin a few hours before your spray tan will help your skin absorb the tanning solution. The trick is to use a water-based moisturizer instead of an oil-based one. (Oil-based products will coat the skin and keep the tanning solution from seeping in.) Also, dry skin sloughs off faster than moist skin, so this is just one more step that will improve the longevity of your tan. Pay special attention to your elbows and knees, which tend to be drier than the rest of the body.
Are there any risks associated with using a spray tan?
DHA, the active ingredient in spray tans and other sunless tanning products, is perfectly safe for external use.
How does a spray tan work?
The ingredient that tans your skin is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless sugar that interacts with dead skin cells to create the tanned color. The DHA causes a chemical reaction with the proteins in the outer most layers of the skin, which causes the color of the skin to change, producing a beautiful natural tan. A spray tan does not dye the skin; the immediate color you see when your tan is applied is a color guide or bronzer that helps the technician not miss any sections and allows you to instantly see your tan. The DHA starts to react with the skin within 1 hours of the tan application and continues to do so for a total of 8 hours.
A spray gun is used to spray a combination of air and tanning solution directly onto the skin, which dries almost immediately. In less than 30 minutes with custom spraying you can have a flawless tan that will develop over the next 8 hours.
How soon will I see the tanning result?
You will receive an immediate, all natural looking tan as our product has a built in bronzer. Your tan will continue to develop over the 8 hours.
How long should I wait after a tanning session before showering, swimming or exercising?
To give your spray tan enough time to fully develop, it is recommended waiting a minimum of 8 hours after your spray tan (unless otherwise instructed). Showering, swimming or exercising sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan.
Will swimming affect my spray tan?
Swimming in chlorinated water or salt water will fade your tan and could cause possible streaking. When swimming try to only go for short dips and rinse off in fresh water afterwards. Remember to reapply your sunscreen.
Should I shave or wax before or after I get my spray tan?
Whether you shave or wax is completely up to you, both should be done before the application of the tan. Ideally shaving should be done 8 hours before and waxing at least the day before. When waxing ensures that all wax is removed otherwise the tan will stick to the wax and will appear very dark where the wax has not been removed. Shaving after the application will take off some of your tan, so shave on days when you really need to and ensure that your blade is sharp. You will be sprayed with the solution containing bronzer so it is best to shave or wax one day before, as the bronzer gets into the newly created pores and can give you "spotty" look.
What should I wear?
You may wear whatever you feel comfortable in whether you wear nothing, underwear, thong bottoms or a swim suit, it iscompletely up to you. Our solution washes out of your clothing so their is no need to worry. You may also want to take into account clothing that you will be wearing over the next few days. Think about the styles of clothing that you will be wearing for your special occasion or your vacation to determine where you do or don't want tan lines.
After your tan, wear loose, dark and preferably cotton clothing. Your tan will be dry but there may be residue on your body(the hairs on your arms for example) It is best to wear clothes and shoes as loose as possible, to make sure nothing rubs off. Ensure any clothing that is worn immediately after the application of the tan is dark in color to prevent the risk of staining it. Our solution is water soluable so any residue will wash out of your clothing.
What else can I do to extend and beautify my new tan?
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!! Avoid shaving your legs with a heavy hand, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, stay away from creams with AHA and try to avoid chorine. We offer a wide range of products that will help you prolong your new tan., including custom self tanning moisturizers to use throughout the week after your session. These product helps to maintain your tan's intensity for a longer period. Our suggestion is to use your high spf sunscreen by day and your self tanner at night while you are out for dinner and sleeping. It's like reversing your tanning while saving your skin!! You will look great your whole vacation!
How long will it take to get my spray tan?
The actual custom spray tanning process only takes about 15 minutes. You can expect to be at our salon for approximately 30 minutes, including filling out our client profile (first time clients) undressing, having the spray tan applied, drying, and re-dressing.


text:
How to Beat President Obama
The man who runs the American Crossroads Super PAC on targeting 'the persuadables' with precise messages on welfare, ObamaCare and the economy.
To political pros, they are known as "the persuadables." By Nov. 6, swing voters in a handful of states will decide whether to rehire Barack Obama. Right now, no one's studying these voters more closely than Steven Law, president of American Crossroads. Mr. Law, who aims to spend $300 million to defeat Mr. Obama and liberalism generally, likes what he sees.
The 52-year-old former Republican Senate aide says that centrist voters are moving away from the president. The sense that President Obama is "a fine person"...


text:
About Me
Photo by Lindseying Photography
Serious about my art, but not too terribly serious otherwise. I'm primarily a bookbinder, illustrator and graphic designer with a background in craft, and a serious belief that functional things should be beautiful and function should never forgo form.
I work part time for Kristin Dunn Bookbinding and Design and Bookcraft Supply Co. helping with day to day operations as well as making contemporary bound portfolios, invitation folders, boxes, binders and the like.
The rest of my working life is split between designing, making and operating my pet project Tiny Telegrams.
Fun Fact: When I was young, I had two ambitions in life. 1) to be a witch when I grew up and 2) to be a private detective- just like my heros, Nancy Drew, and Sherlock Holmes. Being an artist is sort of like realizing both of these childhood goals.
If you want to know more about me as both an artist and a person, you can follow my blog. I'm a pretty open book.


text:
With the future of Warren Woods negotiations unclear, a local group is hoping to keep the potential purchase in the public eye.
With the future of Warren Woods negotiations unclear, a local group is hoping to keep the potential purchase in the public eye.
"It's just really important that we continue to talk about Warren Woods," said Roberta Soolman, chairwoman of the Ashland Open Space Committee. "It should stay important to the town, and as long as it's an unresolved issue it needs to stay in the forefront."
The Board of Selectmen announced last week that an initial bid of $1.5 million and a later bid of $3.5 million were rejected by landowner Northeastern University.
Board members said at last week's meeting that they had not discussed whether to move forward with negotiations, but would meet sometime this week to talk about the next step.
Selectmen Adam Shuster said Tuesday that the board met in executive session Monday night to discuss the issue.
The board also said at last week's meeting that the school doesn't appear to be in a rush to sell the property.
But proponents of the town purchase of Warren Woods said they want to keep the spotlight on the 140-acre parcel off Chestnut Street.
"Advocacy and community efforts like this are a long haul and you need to be in it for the marathon," Soolman said.
Soolman said the group is planning a number of community education events to keep dialogue alive, beginning with a walk through Warren Woods this weekend.
The walk, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday following the town's Earth Day events at Stone Park, will focus on the ecological value of the property, Soolman said.
"This walk is going to focus a little more on checking out the land, checking out the wildlife," she said. A previous walk hosted by the group focused on the historical significance of the parcel, which was once owned by the late Henry Warren.
Soolman said the group has not planned any other specific events, but hopes to hold more educational forums on the Woods and on the role and function of Community Preservation Act funding, which would likely be used to buy the land if Ashland were to purchase it.
Soolman said she is looking forward to trying to work with a new Board of Selectmen after the May 18 town election.
"This can still be worked on and continued with the new Board of Selectmen," she said. "We'd like to give the new board a chance and see what they can accomplish."
(Kendall Hatch can be reached at 508-626-4429 or firstname.lastname@example.com.)


text:
- This event has passed.
Back to Back Services
July 21
Every other month, we schedule a Back to Back service. This is one of our church family's favorite times of fellowship. Our Sunday morning service is followed immediately by lunch on the grounds, then our second service follows right after lunch.