Media Crisis Management; How to Deal with the Media During a Business or Personal Crisis

Posted on April 12, 2007
Filed Under Media Advice |

From time to time, this site will take a look at what is called Media Crisis Management which, simply put, is how you and your business (or you acting in some professional capacity such as a doctor or lawyer) can more effectively deal with the media during times of crisis in your business, or your personal life that may, in some way, impact your business.

Reporters Are NOT Your Friends!

If there is one potentially fatal mistake a corporate CEO or head of any company or organization can make in dealing with members of the Fourth Estate, it is being lulled into a false sense of security by a seemingly friendly reporter or news correspondent/producer.

The Con Game

Being a reporter involves a bit of the Con Game being played: The idea is for the reporter or producer to convince you that they are on your side and just want you to talk with them because of their genuine desire to more fully expose your point of view, on whatever the situation of conflict is that is being reported about, to the general public.

While this is true on some levels, it is not the sole reason the reporter is knocking at your office door with that great, big, veneer-enhanced smile.

What the reporter/producer is more likely doing is trying to win your confidence…but may not be telling you about having a very similar conversation with the opposite side of whatever the story happens to be in an effort to convince them to talk.

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS!!!!!!

You must always keep in mind when around journalists of any stripe, that reporter’s career is based on ability to “get the story.” While some reporters certainly become bonded to certain stories and sources–sometimes for life–the vast majority are trying to just keep things moving till enough facts, quotes and soundbites come together to write and/or produce the story being sought after all along.

Be Nice To The Media–But NEVER Turn Your back!!

You can, and should, also play a bit of a con game with the media—by pretending to be more than willing–though not at first, of course–to play along and give as much cooperation as you feel needed . But, and here is the important part, ALWAYS be prepared to shut down the flow of information at the very first sign of betrayal.

And, finally, good luck…you’ll need at least some of it when dealing with the bigger news organizations.

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