Final answer:
Media notification for hazards is a recognized part of public safety strategies, meant to inform the public during emergencies and influence agenda setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, media notification for hazards to the public is often an established incident objective in emergency management and public safety communications protocols. During a crisis or an emergency situation, timely and accurate communication to the public is crucial to prevent harm or assist in response efforts. This is reflected in the public's right to know and the responsibility of the media to report on matters that can affect public safety, including hazards.
The media has a dual role in such scenarios: reporting facts and maintaining public order by preventing panic. They are also responsible for engaging in agenda setting, which is the process of choosing which issues or topics deserve public attention and discussion. This was exemplified when the media coverage of the famine in Ethiopia led to increased charitable contributions once the severity of the situation was highlighted by western media sources.
However, the proliferation of media platforms and the introduction of social and citizen journalism have both democratized information dissemination and increased the risks of misinformation. It's crucial that public safety and homeland security regulations ensure that communications during emergencies remain reliable, accurate, and serve the public interest.