Executive MediaExecutive Media January 20, 2011

Media Relations Media Relations &&

Crisis ManagementCrisis Management

Introduction

Goals for today: Understanding media and how it works Techniques for handling media contacts Basics of crisis communication On-camera experience in media relations

Executive Media

David Dawson

Full-service agency in downtown Indianapolis

We make your message sound loud and clear

www.executivemedia.com

Meet the media

Why do we care?

Why do they only use bad news?

Reporters: Are people Are not your friend

Reporters

Print: Everything on the record

Broadcast: If they record it, it’s on the record

Internet: Anyone, anywhere, anytime

Delivering your message

What you control:TimePlaceSpokespersonWeb site

What you can’t controlQuestionsJudgmentOpponents

There’s a reporter at the door

Give yourself time to think

Pick a message and stick to it

Say only what you know

Keep out of traps

Telling your story

Importance

Relevance

Proximity

Human interest

The setting

Choose a background to emphasize

your message

Control access

Control sound

Answering questions

• Return to message points

• Don’t repeat damning questions

• Don’t speculate

• Speak in short, active sentences

What is a crisis?

The signs of crisis:• Demands immediate action• Threatens operations or reputation

Can you plan for a crisis?• You must plan• The expected unexpected

The crisis communication plan

Assign crisis responsibilities in advance

Designate and train a spokesperson

Anticipate crisis categories

Create a general fact sheet

Maintain a media list

Maintain a constituent notification list

When a crisis hits

Activate your plan

Field media requests

Get all the facts

Consider responses• Operational• Perceptual

Determine key messages

Monitor media (including Internet)

Basic public communication

Get your story out quickly

Tell the truth

Be consistent

Notify constituencies

Respond to media and keep a log

Correct errors

The message

Plain language

Facts only

Stress key points

After it’s over

Review operation of plan

Review success of messages

Update plan

Prepare for the next one

Video exercises

Review scenarios

Frame message points

Draft message

Select location and method of delivery

Meet the media

Wrap up

Media’s job is not to make you look good.

Crisis communication

Interview skills

Conclusion

Questions

Thanks for your attention