Media Management Crisis Communications Michle A Baron incolumis
Media Management & Crisis Communications Michèle A Baron incolumis
Communicating with the Media incolumis
Communicating with the Media Why? § To take control § Increase certainty with information § Resist attack § Reduce isolation by developing allies incolumis
Who do the public trust to tell them the truth? 1983 % 1999 % 2002 % Television news readers The Police 63 74 71 61 61 59 Journalists 19 15 13 incolumis
7 steps to create a risk communication strategy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Establish a team/network Decide what you want to achieve Identify your stakeholders Decide on the form of consultation Engage & involve stakeholders Monitor strategy Maintain the strategy incolumis
6 guiding principles of a communication strategy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Sound management systems Robustness Speed Messages Images Intelligence incolumis
Communicating with the Media § § § Honesty & transparency Factually correct Correct mistakes ASAP Up to date (local) information given promptly Different audiences within community incolumis
Government Information & Communication Service People’s expectations of Government when it communicates with them about risk: § § § Information Assurance Involvement incolumis
Crisis communications Within the first hour the public want: § Basic details of the incident § SHE implications § Advice & guidance § Reassurance § Practical implications § How to access information § What is being done to resolve the situation incolumis
Crisis communications For the media: § Joint statements of relevant information § Media telephone contact § Media “rendezvous” point at the scene § Formal press conferences & informal briefings § One-to-one interviews incolumis
Crisis communications For the media: § Media centre – easily accessible & equipped § Media co-coordinating group § VIP visits § Needs of victims & their families § Media debrief incolumis
Crisis communications § § § GNN -The Government News Network RMEF’s - Regional Media Emergency Forums BBC – Connecting in a crisis incolumis
Avoiding pitfalls § § § § Causing concern, alarm or panic Over-categorical assurances Leaving information gaps Providing complicated material Using jargon Ignoring issues of public concern Appearing to have all the answers incolumis
Is the information needed? “NOT TO BE USED AS A HAIRDRYER” on a hot air paint stripping gun incolumis
Is the information needed? “INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: OPEN PACKET, EAT NUTS” on a packet of nuts served during a flight incolumis
Is the information clear? NO SMOKING REGULATIONS APPLY HERE incolumis
Is the information clear? FOR IMPROVED ELEVATOR SERVICE WALK UP ONE FLOOR OR DOWN TWO incolumis
Is the information clear? Sign at south end of Tyne Tunnel Tolls Apply Lorries ……………………. Cars……………………. . No entry for pedestrians, pedal cycles, or horse drawn vehicles NO ENTRY WITHOUT PAYMENT Pay at other end incolumis
In conclusion § § § Good communication is key Work with the media – not against it Test & maintain the communication strategy incolumis
Thank you for your attention incolumis
Contact details & Bibliography Michèle A. Baron M. Sc MCIEH FRSH MIOSH Sp. Dip. EM Trading as “incolumis” Safety, Health & Environmental Consultancy Services Tel/Fax: 020 8313 1115 Mobile: 07813 697470 E-mail: michele. baron@virgin. net Bibliography: Government Information & Communication Service “Communicating Risk” Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat “Responding to Emergencies” incolumis
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