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Incorporating Ethics in Disaster Communication Strategy: The Case of the U.S. Government in Deepwater Horizon

Author

Listed:
  • Horsley J. Suzanne

    (Department of Advertising and Public Relations, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA)

  • Hutchins Amber L.

    (School of Communication and Media, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, 30144-5588, USA)

Abstract

BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April 2010 was a major test of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which the United States federal government mandates for response to all disasters. At the time, this disaster was perhaps the greatest event in scope and duration under NIMS disaster management guidelines since they were revised in 2008 (the third edition was published in 2017). Ten years later, NIMS provides procedures for operating a joint information center (JIC), but still offers no guidelines for ethical communication. This case study examines the ethical implications of 178 news releases distributed by the Deepwater Horizon Incident JIC. Qualitative analysis found that communication was conducted in an open, ethical manner, with few exceptions. Conflicts emerged, however, that may have compromised ethical standards. The authors conclude with recommendations to inform ethical decision making by JIC communicators.

Suggested Citation

  • Horsley J. Suzanne & Hutchins Amber L., 2022. "Incorporating Ethics in Disaster Communication Strategy: The Case of the U.S. Government in Deepwater Horizon," Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, De Gruyter, vol. 19(1), pages 67-86.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:johsem:v:19:y:2022:i:1:p:67-86:n:1002
    DOI: 10.1515/jhsem-2020-0043
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