Roles of Mass Media and Community Media in Multiple Great Disaster: From the Experience of Great East Japan Disaster in 2011

This paper aims to clarify the roles of mass media as well as community media including temporary disaster radio stations in case of a serious and multiple disaster, based upon researches in relation to Great East Japan Disaster in 2011. For this purpose, firstly, the data of questionnaire to TV stations in Tokyo and those in three main disaster areas are analysed. Secondly, interview data of community FM broadcasters, including temporary disaster FM broadcasters of the disaster areas are examined. Thirdly, as a concrete example, “Voice of Fukushima,” that is a remarkable activity for sending individuals’ voices in Fukushima to the world by means of media, is discussed as a case study. After these discussions, it is clarified what was severe and what was lacked for each of media. In conclusion, important and alternative roles of media are reconsidered.