Transcript Promotion of the Bill in the Community

Media Management
&
Crisis Communications
Michèle A Baron
incolumis
Communicating with the Media
incolumis
Communicating with the Media
Why?
 To take control
 Increase certainty with information
 Resist attack
 Reduce isolation by developing allies
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Who do the public trust to tell
them the truth?
1983
%
1999
%
2002
%
Television news
readers
The Police
63
74
71
61
61
59
Journalists
19
15
13
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7 steps to create a risk
communication strategy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Establish a team/network
Decide what you want to achieve
Identify your stakeholders
Decide on the form of consultation
Engage & involve stakeholders
Monitor strategy
Maintain the strategy
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6 guiding principles of a
communication strategy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sound management systems
Robustness
Speed
Messages
Images
Intelligence
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Communicating with the Media
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Honesty & transparency
Factually correct
Correct mistakes ASAP
Up to date (local) information given
promptly
Different audiences within community
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Government Information &
Communication Service
People’s expectations of Government
when it communicates with them about
risk:
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
Information
Assurance
Involvement
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Crisis communications
Within the first hour the public want:
 Basic details of the incident
 SHE implications
 Advice & guidance
 Reassurance
 Practical implications
 How to access information
 What is being done to resolve the situation
incolumis
Crisis communications
For the media:
 Joint statements of relevant information
 Media telephone contact
 Media “rendezvous” point at the scene
 Formal press conferences & informal
briefings
 One-to-one interviews
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Crisis communications
For the media:
 Media centre – easily accessible &
equipped
 Media co-coordinating group
 VIP visits
 Needs of victims & their families
 Media debrief
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Crisis communications
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GNN -The Government News Network
RMEF’s - Regional Media Emergency
Forums
BBC – Connecting in a crisis
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Avoiding pitfalls
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Causing concern, alarm or panic
Over-categorical assurances
Leaving information gaps
Providing complicated material
Using jargon
Ignoring issues of public concern
Appearing to have all the answers
incolumis
Is the information needed?
“NOT TO BE USED AS A
HAIRDRYER”
on a hot air paint stripping gun
incolumis
Is the information needed?
“INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
OPEN PACKET, EAT NUTS”
on a packet of nuts
served during a flight
incolumis
Is the information clear?
NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
APPLY HERE
incolumis
Is the information clear?
FOR IMPROVED ELEVATOR
SERVICE
WALK UP ONE FLOOR OR
DOWN TWO
incolumis
Is the information clear?
Sign at south end of Tyne Tunnel
Tolls Apply
Lorries ……………………………………….
Cars…………………………………………..
No entry for pedestrians, pedal cycles,
or horse drawn vehicles
NO ENTRY WITHOUT PAYMENT
Pay at other end
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In conclusion
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Good communication is key
Work with the media – not against it
Test & maintain the communication
strategy
incolumis
Thank you for your attention
incolumis
Contact details & Bibliography
Michèle A. Baron M.Sc MCIEH FRSH MIOSH SpDipEM
Trading as “incolumis”
Safety, Health & Environmental Consultancy Services
Tel/Fax:020 8313 1115
Mobile:
07813 697470
E-mail:
[email protected]
Bibliography:
Government Information & Communication Service “Communicating Risk”
Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat “Responding to Emergencies”
incolumis