How to Handle Media in a Crisis

In public and media relations, a crisis can arise at any time. A crisis may be an employee or consumer emergency, a leadership change, an announcement related to productivity, or any other number of things. These are the times at which media will come flocking to you. Be prepared to handle the media in a crisis.

Instructions

1. Be prepared with media kits. These should include a fact sheet about your business or organization in addition to contact information.

2. Identify a single communication center with a separate media briefing area where media can rely on receiving updates or attending press conferences.

3. Choose a briefing area that is accessible to media, but that does not give them direct accessibility to your offices or facilities.

4. Respond to individual calls by the media by sharing the time of your next press conference or briefing, and inviting them to attend.

5. Choose a single spokesperson to handle the crisis on behalf of the organziation. This ensures consistant communication and consistent responses.

6. Distribute an initial press release, and then alert media regarding a schedule of future updates. Stick to the schedule you've provided as much as possible.

7. Consult the organization's attorney as needed, including before any public comments are made.

8. Understand that the media needs a story. The more facts and details you can provide, the less speculation and rumors there will be.