الملخص الإنجليزي
This study aims at describing, analyzing and evaluating the coverage
of the Sultanate of Oman television of Cyclone Mekunu 2018, and
describing, analyzing and interpreting the extent of public dependence
in Dhofar Governorate on it in the different stages of Cyclone Mekunu.
The study is based on the media survey methodology; the tools of
data collection are a sheet for content analysis and a questionnaire
that was filled out by a 357 residents of Dhofar Governorate.
The results show that the Sultanate of Oman TV allocated a
considerable air time to cover Cyclone Mekunu during its three stages
through two main formats: open coverage of the hurricane and news
bulletins. Open coverage, according to the results, captured nearly
half of air time during the period from 24 May 2018 to 27 May 2018.
This coverage also continued through news bulletins. News about the
Cyclone accounted for a range of 81.3% to 95.5% of total time of those
newscasts .
The results also show that the news accompanied by film or video
was the most commonly used format in covering the hurricane in those
bulletins, while the direct talk was the top format used in the open
coverage.
The study also found that the majority of respondents depended on
social media to follow the news of the hurricane during its three
stages: before, during and after its arrival .
The results illustrate the impact of TV coverage of Cyclone Mekunu
on the knowledge, behavior, and emotions of the audience. This
coverage led to raising their level of awareness about the hurricane
and its magnitude and their recognition/appreciation of efforts made
different parties.
The results also revealed that the pre-hurricane televised coverage
helped viewers prepare for dealing with expected hazards, such as
handling electric devices during the hurricane
