Which officer serves as a liaison between the IC and the news media?

The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for serving as the liaison between the Incident Commander (IC) and the news media. This role is crucial during emergency incidents, as the PIO is tasked with effectively communicating information to the public and the media while ensuring that the narrative conveyed is accurate and aligned with the operational goals of the incident management team. The PIO prepares and disseminates information, answers media inquiries, and helps manage the flow of information to prevent misinformation and confusion.

In contrast, the other options do not specifically focus on media relations or public communications in the same way. While a Liaison Officer may coordinate between different agencies or stakeholders at an incident, their primary function is not centered on media interactions. The Company Officer typically oversees the operations and personnel of a specific fire company and does not have the designated role of managing communications with the media. The News Officer doesn’t have an established role within emergency response frameworks, making it less relevant in this context. Therefore, the Public Information Officer is the designated individual for this essential responsibility in incident management.