Webinar: How can we counter 5G EMF health fears?

Worries about exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation and the coronavirus from 5G networks have become increasingly common. Some people have taken to the streets to protest and social media networks have enabled widespread disinformation campaigns.

The wireless sector and governments appear to have been slow to take these concerns seriously at first. When they did, they seem to have focused too narrowly on scientific research debunking the myths. The research is there, of course, but we argue that the sector has not given adequate thought to how this information can be successfully communicated to the general public.

Health scares affect everyone involved in the sector, from governments to regulators, vendors to operators, financiers to consultants. This discussion will be relevant to all of them.

The webinar, EMF: getting the message across, will look at two key issues:

• What lessons can we learn from other industries dealing with health scares?
• How can the wireless sector up its public relations game?

Speakers confirmed so far are:

• Kyriakos Baxevanidis, deputy head of the spectrum policy unit at CNECT, which is part of the European Commission.
• Dr Mary Longhurst, a public relations and strategic communications expert who specialises in corporate social responsibility and sustainability communications.
•  Dr Jack Rowley, senior director research & sustainability, GSMA.
• Frank de Vocht, professor in epidemiology and public health, University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School.

We’re hoping for contributions from the wireless sector; from other industries and non-governmental organisations who have had to address health-related challenges; and from academics who have studied how to frame information to gain public trust.

If you’re interested in speaking on any of these or related issues, please get in touch.

Or if you would just like to hear the debate please join us for the EMF: getting the message across webinar on Wednesday 3 February 2021 at 3 pm GMT/4 pm CET/10 am EST. Paid subscribers should use the priority registration form. Non-subscribers please register here.•