How do you resolve conflicts with media distribution channel partners?

As a media producer, you may have to work with different distribution channels to reach your audience, such as streaming platforms, social media, podcasts, or websites. However, sometimes you may encounter conflicts with your channel partners over issues such as creative control, revenue sharing, exclusivity, or audience feedback. How do you resolve these conflicts without damaging your relationship or compromising your vision? Here are some tips to help you navigate the challenges of media distribution.

1 Communicate clearly and respectfully

The first step to resolving any conflict is to communicate clearly and respectfully with your channel partner. Avoid making assumptions, accusations, or ultimatums. Instead, express your concerns, expectations, and goals in a calm and constructive way. Listen to their perspective and try to understand their needs and motivations. Acknowledge their value and contribution to your media production. Try to find common ground and mutual benefits.

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Luca Bertocci

Co-Founder at Human Centric Group LTD, MBA/MSc Lecturer
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One thing I noticed, valid when you communicate with channel partners but also more in general with all external stakeholders, is that tones tend to be much more calm and respectful when talking (face to face or by phone, but actually talking). It's easy to misinterpret a detail in an email and from a small discrepancy things can very quickly take a bad turn, with following accusations from both sides. A simple, good, old chat is very often the best way to get along.

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Joel M. Muthengi

MBA Candidate | Finance Consultant | Content Strategist |
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One crucial point in successfully resolving conflicts with media distribution channel partners is to work together to uncover the real reasons behind the disagreement. This means determining if the conflict stems from issues like distribution terms, content quality, scheduling, or other factors. In my experience it's essential to encourage your partner to voice their concerns openly; in return, you should be ready to share your worries. Also, reviewing and ensuring clarity in your distribution agreement or partnership contract is vital. If there are any doubts or disagreements, consider making revisions to address these concerns. This collaborative approach promotes understanding and helps prevent future conflicts.

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Marc Farris
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We are viewed in 150+ countries, so our partners seek our content, gladly accepting the revshare agreement providing content with no up front to us from them.

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Laurent Kaestli

Entrepreneur | Sustainable Economy - Innovation
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In the preparation to any solution to the conflict, make sure that you not only review your goals and interests but also try to understand the other parties goals and interests... Use also the talk to validate these assumptions to avoid misunderstanding.

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Mckay Chukwu

Content Creator|| Growth & Marketing Strategist || Data Management Specialist
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From my experience, the more established & bigger distributions platform, an email would do. They could take a couple of days, but will surely resolve whatever issue you have complained about. For the smaller ones though, communication can be very hard. I usually google the owners/founders, get their Instagram or personal emails, and they would respond faster.

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2 Negotiate fairly and creatively

The second step to resolving a conflict is to negotiate fairly and creatively with your channel partner. Don't be rigid or stubborn about your demands or preferences. Be willing to compromise and adapt to the changing market and audience trends. However, don't sell yourself short or agree to something that goes against your core values or principles. Be creative and flexible in finding solutions that work for both parties. For example, you could offer to share some costs or risks, to create additional content or features, or to cross-promote each other's platforms.

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Laurent Kaestli

Entrepreneur | Sustainable Economy - Innovation
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You can follow the methodology of "getting to yes" (Harvard Negotiation Process), which highlights the steps and how to achieve a Win-Win solution.

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3 Document and review the agreement

The third step to resolving a conflict is to document and review the agreement with your channel partner. Make sure that you have a clear and detailed contract that outlines the terms and conditions of your distribution deal, such as the rights, responsibilities, revenue splits, deadlines, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Review the contract regularly and update it as needed. Keep track of your performance and feedback and share it with your channel partner. Address any issues or concerns promptly and professionally.

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4 Build trust and rapport

The fourth step to resolving a conflict is to build trust and rapport with your channel partner. Don't treat them as a mere transaction or a competitor. Treat them as a collaborator and a supporter of your media production. Show appreciation and recognition for their work and achievements. Provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. Seek their input and advice on your projects. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. Maintain regular and honest communication and follow through on your commitments.

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5 Seek external help if needed

The fifth step to resolving a conflict is to seek external help if needed. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not be able to resolve a conflict with your channel partner on your own. In that case, you may need to seek the assistance of a third party, such as a mediator, a lawyer, or an industry expert. They can help you facilitate the dialogue, clarify the issues, explore the options, and reach a fair and satisfactory outcome. However, before you resort to this step, make sure that you have exhausted all the other steps and that you have informed your channel partner of your intention.

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6 Learn and grow from the experience

The sixth and final step to resolving a conflict is to learn and grow from the experience. Don't let a conflict with your channel partner discourage you or damage your reputation. Instead, use it as an opportunity to improve your skills, knowledge, and relationships. Reflect on what went wrong and what went right. Identify the lessons and the action points. Apply them to your future projects and collaborations. Share your insights and best practices with others in your field. Be open and positive about new challenges and opportunities.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you resolve conflicts with media distribution channel partners?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Communicate clearly and respectfully

2 Negotiate fairly and creatively

3 Document and review the agreement

4 Build trust and rapport

5 Seek external help if needed

6 Learn and grow from the experience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Media Production

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How do you resolve conflicts with media distribution channel partners?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Communicate clearly and respectfully

2 Negotiate fairly and creatively

3 Document and review the agreement

4 Build trust and rapport

5 Seek external help if needed

6 Learn and grow from the experience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Media Production

Rate this article

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