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The PIO Podcast
The PIO Podcast is a leading resource for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) working in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, emergency management, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Focused on crisis communications, media relations, and public trust, this podcast delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and interviews with experienced communicators across the public sector.
Each episode explores the challenges PIOs face, including managing breaking incidents, navigating social media, combating misinformation, and communicating effectively during emergencies and high-pressure situations. Whether you are a new PIO or a seasoned public affairs professional, The PIO Podcast provides actionable guidance to strengthen your communication skills and leadership impact.
Join a growing network of public safety communicators committed to learning, professional development, and advancing the role of strategic communications in government.
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The PIO Podcast
S6 - E6: Brian Murray - PIO & Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Harris Cty Tx
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Summary: In this episode, Brian Murray, the Public Information Officer for Harris County, Texas, discusses his dual role in emergency management and public communication. He highlights the unique challenges faced by Harris County, including its large population and diverse threats. The conversation delves into the complexities of emergency alerts, the importance of effective messaging, and the need for community engagement. Brian emphasizes the significance of training for staff and educating the public about alerts, while also addressing the future of communication in an increasingly automated world.
Brian's BIO: Brian Murray, MPA, is the Deputy Coordinator for Homeland Security & Emergency Management and Public Information Officer for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM). Developing the processes and technology for communicating with the public
during disasters has been at the center of Murray’s career at HCOHSEM. He helped
establish the first physical Regional Joint Information Center at Houston TranStar, and his work in developing “JIC Strike Teams” earned HCOHSEM an Outstanding Emergency Public Information Award from the Emergency Management Association of Texas in 2015. Murray helped lead a workgroup of the Federal Communications Commission’s Communications Security, Reliability and
Interoperability Council (CSRIC) IV that paved the way for WEA 2.0 in 2016-2017. Murray is now a full member of CSRIC IX charged with making recommendations to the Commission on the security and development of the Nation’s communications systems in the age of artificial intelligence and the development of 6G technology.
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