Learn how to manage media relations during a crisis and keep your contacts engaged with effective communication and transparency.

Keeping an eye on how the crisis is being reported is crucial. It allows an organization to adjust its strategy and address any emerging issues or misconceptions. Organizations should train designated spokespersons who know how to handle media inquiries during a crisis. They should be able to convey empathy and authority, reassuring the public and stakeholders.

Last updated on Jul 4, 2024

You're facing a crisis in media relations. How do you keep your contacts engaged and supportive?

When a media crisis strikes, it can feel like the ground is shifting beneath your feet. But remember, the key to navigating these turbulent times lies in maintaining strong relationships with your media contacts. They are your lifeline to the public, and keeping them engaged and supportive is paramount. Effective communication, transparency, and a strategic approach to information sharing can turn a potential disaster into an opportunity for demonstrating resilience and commitment to your audience.

1 Stay Transparent

Transparency is your ally during a crisis. Share what you know and admit what you don't, ensuring your media contacts understand the situation's nuances. By being forthright about the crisis and your steps to resolve it, you foster trust. This trust is essential because when the tide turns, those who stood by you will remember your honesty and may become advocates for your cause.

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Ronak Sharma

Passionate Hotelier | Aspiring Hospitality Management Leader | Wines & Spirits Enthusiast
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Being transparent with the media can prevent the spread of rumors and maintain credibility. It's about striking a balance between sharing enough information to be open and withholding sensitive details that could exacerbate the situation.

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Mohammad Zaid

Business Analyst at Borgfy | Venture Studio-Building Tech Ideas | MBA | Digital Health | Mobile Apps
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- Provide transparent updates promptly. - Address concerns with empathy and clarity. - Demonstrate proactive crisis management steps. - Acknowledge and involve contacts in resolution efforts. - Maintain clear communication channels throughout.

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2 Communicate Often

In a crisis, silence is not golden. It's imperative to keep the lines of communication open, providing regular updates even if there's no new information. This reassures your media contacts that you are actively managing the situation and values their role in the information chain. Consistent communication prevents the rumor mill from churning out speculations that can exacerbate the crisis.

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Ronak Sharma

Passionate Hotelier | Aspiring Hospitality Management Leader | Wines & Spirits Enthusiast
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Absolutely, media relations are not just about managing the news, they're about managing trust. In a crisis, an organization's ability to communicate effectively with the media can mean the difference between a temporary setback and a lasting scar on its reputation.

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3 Offer Exclusivity

One way to bolster support is by offering exclusive insights or stories to trusted media contacts. This not only gives them a compelling reason to cover your story positively but also strengthens your relationship. It's a gesture that shows you value their work and trust them with sensitive information, which can be invaluable during and after a crisis.

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4 Be Accessible

Make yourself available to answer questions and provide clarifications. Accessibility goes a long way in sustaining media relationships during a crisis. When journalists know they can reach you easily for comments or additional information, it not only helps them do their job better but also puts you in control of the narrative.

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5 Provide Solutions

While it's crucial to acknowledge the problem, it's equally important to talk about solutions. Guide your media contacts toward what you're doing to resolve the crisis. This proactive approach not only demonstrates leadership but also provides a narrative that media can rally around, shifting the focus from the problem to the resolution efforts.

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6 Build Relationships

Finally, remember that strong relationships aren't built overnight. Cultivate them over time by being a reliable source, showing appreciation for coverage, and providing help when needed. These bonds will prove their worth when you need support the most, transforming your media contacts into partners who are invested in your success.

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Ronak Sharma

Passionate Hotelier | Aspiring Hospitality Management Leader | Wines & Spirits Enthusiast
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Building strong relationships with the media before a crisis hits can pay dividends. It means there's a foundation of trust and understanding that can be relied upon when things go wrong.

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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?

Add your perspective

Ronak Sharma

Passionate Hotelier | Aspiring Hospitality Management Leader | Wines & Spirits Enthusiast
Report contribution
Keeping an eye on how the crisis is being reported is crucial. It allows an organization to adjust its strategy and address any emerging issues or misconceptions. Organizations should train designated spokespersons who know how to handle media inquiries during a crisis. They should be able to convey empathy and authority, reassuring the public and stakeholders.

Like

You're facing a crisis in media relations. How do you keep your contacts engaged and supportive?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Transparent

2 Communicate Often

3 Offer Exclusivity

4 Be Accessible

5 Provide Solutions

6 Build Relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Relations

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You're facing a crisis in media relations. How do you keep your contacts engaged and supportive?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Transparent

2 Communicate Often

3 Offer Exclusivity

4 Be Accessible

5 Provide Solutions

6 Build Relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Relations

Rate this article

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