Abstract
Risk communication is defined as a reciprocal information process between experts and the public concerning some type of risk. Previous studies have not adequately addressed the evaluation of risk communication made by the information source and experts of risk management organizations. The present study examined the evaluations of communication dealing with the risk of nuclear power generation by of public relations officers at a power company. The results showed that messages which elaborated on not only the benefits, but also risk involved in nuclear power, were evaluated as being more fair, honest and self-assuring than those which described only the benefits. Furthermore, two-sided messages were expected to elicit sympathy and trust from the receiver of the messages. These results demonstrated empirically that information sources regard the risk communication as being necessary and useful.
