The PIO Podcast
The PIO Podcast is a platform for Public Information Officers (PIO's) and Public Affairs Officers (PAO's) in public sector organizations, including Police, Fire, EMS, FEMA, state, local, and federal government organizations. The podcast aims to facilitate learning, growth, and discussion of issues that PIO's/PAO's may encounter within their profession. If you would like to support the podcast and connect with other PIO's/PAO's, please email us at thepiopodcast@gmail.com.
The PIO Podcast
S5 - E17: Rick Rice, Public Information Officer, Asheville Police Department, Asheville, NC
Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Rick Rice, the public information officer for the Asheville Police Department. They discuss Rick's background in radio, the challenges they faced during Hurricane Helene, and the launch of the APD Pod Squad podcast aimed at improving community engagement. Rick shares insights on managing misinformation during the crisis and the importance of clear communication. The conversation also touches on using AI in public information strategies and reflections on the podcast's impact on the community.
Rick's BIO: Rick Rice spent over thirty years in radio, with over twenty years
on the air in Asheville, beginning in 1999. Rice has also been a fixture at local
sporting events as the public address announcer at McCormick Field for the
Asheville Tourists from 2000-2016 and for the Asheville Smoke hockey team until
they folded in 2002. Rice has also been the public address announcer for UNC
Asheville Men’s and Women’s Basketball and the Voice of the Southern
Conference Basketball Tournament for over a decade.
Growth marketing tips & tech insights from those who’ve done it.
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