When a disaster strikes, various organizations, including any affected enterprises and news agencies that cover the event, need to respond quickly. The key to an effective response is a consistent supply of authoritative information at the appropriate time. Using data from 159 disasters that occurred in China between 2003 and 2011, this study investigates the determinants of disaster news coverage. It is found that by considering the characteristics of the disaster, economic and technical factors, and the initial level of coverage, disaster managers can predict newsworthiness, the points of maximum demand for information, and the most stressful time in terms of media attention. All these factors can help those charged with disseminating information on disasters and relief efforts to communicate in a manner that best addresses the needs of the public and the organization they serve. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.