In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke sits down with Bob Jensen, an expert in crisis communication with extensive experience managing major US disasters. Jensen shares insights from his personal and professional journey, highlighting how his background in chemical engineering, industrial design, and government roles has shaped his approach to crisis communication.
Jensen delves into his hands-on experience with disaster events such as the Haiti earthquake, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and Hurricane Sandy. He emphasises the importance of preparedness, adaptability, and viewing communication as an integrated system. Jensen advocates for a systematic approach to communication, stressing the need for cohesive processes, strong relationships, and well-defined policies.
The episode also explores the future of communication, particularly in the context of advancing technology and AI, and the role of information warfare in modern conflicts, with examples from Ukraine and Gaza. Jensen stresses the evolving significance of communication in government operations and shares his optimism about these developments while acknowledging the necessity of establishing standards and frameworks.
The conversation is sure to leave listeners with a deeper understanding of crisis communication and its critical role in public governance.
Stream the episode on Spotify:
Discussed in this episode:
- Integrating systems thinking into crisis communication.
- The impact of COVID-19 on government communication strategies.
- Effective public engagement on climate change issues.
- The impact of technology and AI on future communication strategies.
Transcript: