Media and culture often seem secondary in security debates. In the event of collective defence , however, they become a central factor in social stability. This is because hybrid threats often target perception rather than territory first: trust in institutions, social cohesion, the ability to make decisions and the willingness to cooperate. This is exactly where media, public communication and cultural spaces come into play.
In an emergency, media do more than report. They structure information, put events into context, refute rumours, pass on warnings and keep the public sphere alive – even when digital infrastructure is disrupted. Culture, in turn, stabilises social networks, provides meaning and orientation, strengthens local communities and counters psychological exhaustion. Both are therefore part of civilian resilience.
What changes in the event of collective defence
1) The information space becomes a space of conflict
In the event of collective defence, disinformation is not a “side issue” but a strategic tool. False reports, manipulated images, deepfakes, coordinated campaigns and targeted stirring of sentiment can heighten uncertainty and undermine trust. Mixed situations, in which real disruptions (e.g. power cuts, a cyberattack) are combined with information operations, are particularly dangerous.
2) Speed and the number of channels increase
Information spreads faster than it can be verified. At the same time, technical infrastructure may be restricted: the internet, mobile networks or platforms may fail or be overloaded. In such situations, redundant channels become decisive: radio, local notices, loudspeaker announcements, municipal emergency meeting points and reliable broadcasters.
3) Pressure on newsrooms, government communication and platforms
Journalistic work becomes harder: under time pressure, with limited facts and a heightened risk of manipulation. At the same time, expectations of government communication rise: clear, fast, consistent, without speculation. Mistakes, contradictions or silence create space for rumours.
How media contribute in an emergency
Orientation and building trust
Resilience depends not only on resources, but on interpretation: what is happening? What applies? What is confirmed? What is still open? Media that work transparently and make their sources clear stabilise trust – even when not everything is known.
Amplifying official warnings and guidance
Warnings are only effective if they are understood and passed on. In an emergency, media – especially regional broadcasters – are an important link between the authorities and the public.
Countering disinformation
Fact-checking, source criticism and contextualisation reduce the impact of information operations. What matters is not “debunking after the fact”, but the ability to spot patterns early and establish robust information routines.
Culture as a resilience factor
In a crisis, culture is not a luxury but infrastructure for cohesion. It creates spaces in which community remains tangible: encounters, support, a sense of meaning, coming to terms with fear and uncertainty. Especially during longer crises, cultural offerings, local initiatives, clubs, religion and civil society spaces stabilise psychological staying power.
This also applies in practice: cultural institutions can become information points, meeting places, distribution centres or points of contact – provided local authorities include them in their emergency planning. Resilience emerges where social networks remain intact.
What preparation means in practice
For media organisations and platform operators
- emergency planning for power and IT outages, including backup workplaces and backup communication
- robust verification routines against manipulated content
- clear cooperation with government communication without giving up journalistic independence
- redundancy of distribution channels (radio, print, local distribution)
For local authorities and administration
- uniform, recognisable communication channels and fixed information points
- clear responsibilities for crisis communication and spokesperson roles
- use of local multipliers: regional media, clubs, religious communities, schools
For the public
- know your reliable sources of information (e.g. warning systems, radio, official channels)
- hold back rumours before sharing them
- strengthen neighbourhood networks: local information works even without the internet
Preparedness and emergency supply laws
Energy: Energy Security Act (EnSiG)
A functioning energy supply is a prerequisite for broadcasting, digital communication, the dissemination of information and public spaces. In a severe disruption, the EnSiG can provide the legal framework for stabilising or prioritising energy so that central communication capability and basic social functions do not fail at the same time.
Food: Food Security and Preparedness Act (ESVG)
Supply crises are shaped by the information situation: rumours, disinformation or panic behaviour can worsen shortages. The ESVG is relevant because securing supply in an emergency only works with clear, reliable communication – so media indirectly contribute to stability.
Water: Water Supply Security Act (WasSiG)
Water crises require clear, reliable information: behaviour, boil-water notices, distribution points, hygiene and priorities must be communicated quickly and clearly. The WasSiG is relevant because securing supply is not effective without crisis communication, and a stable information environment counters panic and disinformation.
Postal Act (PostG) and Telecommunications Act (TKG)
- PostG: Print media and the physical distribution of information can play a role in disruptions when digital channels fail. The PostG is the legal framework for postal distribution, which can then indirectly support the ability to inform.
- TKG: Broadcasting, online media, streaming and crisis communication all rely on telecommunications networks. The TKG therefore concerns the infrastructure through which information stability and social orientation are conveyed.
