If there is important news to report and lots of reporters clamoring for the news, a press conference is often the best way to disseminate news. A press conference is a straightforward event. Basically, you are calling a meeting of reporters to announce something and to offer experts to answer questions. You may be announcing a grant for recovery operations, the country's list of emergency needs, a toll of dead and injured after a disaster, or similar important news. It should be a high ranking official such as the PWR, the Health Minister or his or her aide, the Civil Defense Chief, the Emergency Operations Director, or whoever has the most knowledge about a particular situation.
Press conferences are best early in the day, depending on local customs.
They can be held in an office, a special room, or if out in the field, a tent or in the open air. They should be held immediately after you learn important news, especially if it is bad. If you are in a constantly evolving emergency situation you may want to hold press conferences or briefings daily or even hourly if warranted. Key issues for press conferences are similar to those for press releases, though television must be kept more in mind, and officials must be careful to appear calm, authoritative, and in control. The conference should be announced as far in advance as possible, with as much specific information as possible.