This book provides an introduction to covering crises, considering practice issues and providing guidance in preparing for and responding to calamities. It offers a concise overview for journalism academics and practitioners of covering disasters – not a "how to" handbook but a "how to prepare" reference to be used before a crisis occurs.

This essential resource is among the first to focus specifically and comprehensively on journalistic coverage of disasters. It demonstrates the application of scholarship and theory to professional practice, and includes a crash book template with logistical and information-collection requirements.

As a text for advanced reporting, broadcast journalism, and journalism ethics, or a reference for professionals, Reporting Disaster on Deadline provides key information for keeping on deadline in responding to crises.