Which position serves as a point of contact between commander and the news media?

The correct choice is the Public Information Officer (PIO) because this role is specifically designated to serve as the communication link between the incident command and the news media. The PIO is responsible for disseminating accurate information to the public and managing the flow of information to ensure that media inquiries are addressed appropriately. This helps maintain a cohesive message, ensures public safety information is communicated, and manages the overall public perception of the incident.

The PIO's responsibilities typically include preparing press releases, conducting press briefings, and responding to media inquiries, which are all crucial for informing the public effectively during an emergency situation. By acting as the primary spokesperson, the PIO ensures that the incident commander can focus on tactical operations while the public receives the necessary information efficiently.

In contrast, while the liaison officer interacts with external agencies and stakeholders, their focus is more on coordination rather than media communication. The planning section chief would primarily handle the development of incident action plans and resource management, and the agency representative typically represents the interests of their agency within the incident command structure, without a primary focus on dealing with media relations.