Communication during the Fukushima nuclear accident:

the perspective of a non-nuclear country

Vasiliki Tafili International and Public Relations Office Greek Atomic Energy Commission
International Experts Meeting on Enhancing Transparency and Communication Effectiveness in the event of a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency

www.eeae.gr

Outline

Background information on national characteristics affecting the public information activities Formulation of communication strategy during the Fukushima nuclear accident Key messages Issues raised / lessons learned

National characteristics

In the national energy mix planning nuclear power is not an option The overwhelming majority of the public opinion is against the nuclear power option The perception of nuclear energy as a risk for the public and the environment predominates Concern for the nuclear neighborhood risks
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The global village effect

Influence by major external events Rapid information dissemination

Our communication challenge:

to deal with the perceived risk of the Fukushima nuclear accident

The public sphere: issues of interest

Concern for the public health and the environment: radioactivity in air, food/water consumption, imports, travel Nuclear safety in Europe Comparison to Chernobyl strong memories from Chernobyl Discussions on risk from neighboring NPPs

Information inquiries

extended press and broadcast media coverage requests for interviews information requests (telephone, email) from the public and the media number of visits at GAEC website Parliamentary demands x

Forming the communication strategy

strong fear of radiation risks fact-based information vs. rumors/speculatio ns gaining trust through transparenc y incomplete information and mixed messages about the accident limited public awareness on nuclear safety

addressing the concern of special groups e.g. crew of ships real conditions: e.g. distance, no public health risk

Chernobyl memories

mistrust towards nuclear safety stakeholders

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Forming the communication strategy

GAEC goal:
to successfully respond as the information source

government - public authorities media public groups of special interest (crew of Greek ships and citizens in Japan)

Key messages
there is no radiological risk for the citizens or the country radioactivity levels in the country are constantly monitored coordination of the national mechanism of environmental

radioactivity measurements no need to take any protection measures or change dietary habits the country fully implements the EC guidelines/directives regarding foodstuff monitoring and imports control cooperation with international and European authorities being on alert and available provide information updates as soon as confirmed data are available
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From theory to practice

16 press releases & 8 web announcements 11 TV interviews, 4 radio interviews FAQs at the website Presentation in the Parliament Participation in European/international meetings National information event organized on 7 July 2011

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Pillars of GAEC communication

Media relations Web-based communication Coordination in information sharing and communication

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Consideration to be given to:

Social media: information source / dissemination tool

Spokesperson: a crucial role Building public awareness on nuclear safety Media relations

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Conclusions

Information: key element in emergency response plans Challenge: address the high concern Functions of communication crisis management were tested Strengthening of our profile as trustworthy organization Identification of specific aspects of communication process requiring further consideration at national level

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Thank you for you attention!

Greek Atomic Energy Commission P BOX 60092 .O g. Paraskevi 15310, Greece

T: + 30 210 650 6714 F: + 30 210 650 6748 E: vtafili@eeae.gr

www.gaec.gr www.facebook.com/eeaegr www.twitter.com/#eeaegr

Acknowledgment to the co-authors: V. Kamenopoulou, C. Potiriadis, S. Economides, S. Simopoulos, C. Housiadas