The Aviation Investigation Bureau (AIB) held a weeklong workshop entitled "The national strategy for media communication after aviation accidents."
The workshop was setup to train and develop aviation’s executives in dealing with the media after aviation accidents with the participation of 50 major domestic airlines, airports and various sectors at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Basem Alsallom, assistant to GACA president for corporate communications and marketing, stressed the importance of establishing and organizing workshops specializing in media communication to contribute in enhancing communication training aspects and early preparation for any future incidents.
On the other hand, Abdulellah Felimban, director general of AIB office, explained that the workshop aims to develop and activate a national strategy post any aviation accidents and to achieve the highest international standards in the aviation system in the Kingdom, and also to enable participants in dealing with the media in a professional manner post any aviation accidents. 
And to be able to provide them with accurate information derived from the source. Information that is most likely to be at the disposal of AIB chief, or the airport director where the accidents occurred. 
He added that the workshop included the creation of a practical training to deal with the print media and TV by recording a simulated TV and press interviews with the participants to enable them to deal in a professional and effective manner. 
The exercise is conducted by creating make-believe scenarios of aviation accidents and then questions are asked to address them. 
He noted that this workshop is the second of its kind in dealing with media post any aviation accidents and that AIB will hold a number of related courses in the near future.
The workshop was conducted by Linda Tavlin, an expert in aviation accident communication, where several make-believe scenarios were presented.

Source: Arab News