Proactive Crisis Communications
By Ray Huntzinger
Reference:
Trunko, M. E. (n.d.). Proactive crisis communications. Disaster
Recovery. Retrieved on October 24, 2013, from
http://www.drj.com/drworld/content/w3_044.htm
Theme:
The theme of this article is the recommendation of a proactive
approach to the media before the disaster takes place by developing
relationships, public relation kits, and plans for working with the
media during the disaster.
Summary:
--Proactive communication with the media is important before the
disaster occurs.
--Before a disaster, organizations need to establish high credibility,
a good reputation, and good will with the media.
--A PR kit should be assembled and distributed before emergencies as a
course of business.
--The media and public must be continually updated about your
organization before the crisis.
--Before a disaster, questions should be anticipated and background
materials should be prepared for used during the disaster.
--Rough drafts of press releases should be prepared before a disaster;
this will help eliminate the need to scramble during the stress of a
disaster.
--Be proactive during the disaster by providing media access,
suggesting interviews, and granting interviews if at all possible.
--Tell "your side of the story" as soon as possible after the incident.
--Reporters should receive prompt responses and frequent calls before,
during, and after an incident.
Application to the lesson topic:
Although this article was intended for private businesses, it
discusses specific concepts press releases that are relevant to any
public or private organization. The article also stresses core
concepts in media relations that should be utilized by all agencies
before, during, and following a disaster.
Application to emergency services:
The article provides great suggestions for providing a proactive
approach to press releases and media relations as a whole. This
proactive approach is integral if emergency service providers are to
effectively integrate with the media before, during, and after
disasters.
By Ray Huntzinger
Reference:
Trunko, M. E. (n.d.). Proactive crisis communications. Disaster
Recovery. Retrieved on October 24, 2013, from
http://www.drj.com/drworld/content/w3_044.htm
Theme:
The theme of this article is the recommendation of a proactive
approach to the media before the disaster takes place by developing
relationships, public relation kits, and plans for working with the
media during the disaster.
Summary:
--Proactive communication with the media is important before the
disaster occurs.
--Before a disaster, organizations need to establish high credibility,
a good reputation, and good will with the media.
--A PR kit should be assembled and distributed before emergencies as a
course of business.
--The media and public must be continually updated about your
organization before the crisis.
--Before a disaster, questions should be anticipated and background
materials should be prepared for used during the disaster.
--Rough drafts of press releases should be prepared before a disaster;
this will help eliminate the need to scramble during the stress of a
disaster.
--Be proactive during the disaster by providing media access,
suggesting interviews, and granting interviews if at all possible.
--Tell "your side of the story" as soon as possible after the incident.
--Reporters should receive prompt responses and frequent calls before,
during, and after an incident.
Application to the lesson topic:
Although this article was intended for private businesses, it
discusses specific concepts press releases that are relevant to any
public or private organization. The article also stresses core
concepts in media relations that should be utilized by all agencies
before, during, and following a disaster.
Application to emergency services:
The article provides great suggestions for providing a proactive
approach to press releases and media relations as a whole. This
proactive approach is integral if emergency service providers are to
effectively integrate with the media before, during, and after
disasters.
Ray,
ReplyDeleteI like your view about being pro-active. Some people may not completely understand that this word means to do what ever means necessary to get the job done. Pro-active to me means to go above and beyond what is expected. The media can be a beast, but a multi-casualty incident can be a beast, too. Instead of us standing around waiting for someone to do something we just jump out of our vehicles and prepare to run into a burning building. The same courage is needed for a PIO. If we are organized enough and have met some of the media, we will be the best PIO's out there.