The Mournful Heart of It’s a Wonderful Life

Though the title of this newsletter is Crisis Management Today, regular readers know that we look at communications from a wide variety of angles.  Whether a letter to stakeholders, a text message, television ad, blog piece, book, newspaper article, TV show, documentary or movie, words and pictures come together to create or reinforce a narrative. […]

The Six Essential Rules for Lawyers Dealing with Reporters

Thanks to Mary Flood for this article… Whether reporters are calling about a crisis or just to tap your expertise, here are the six things all lawyers should know before talking to the press. An unanswered or botched media call can be a nightmare, or at the very least a lost opportunity for advocacy for […]

How Well Are You Prepared?

No matter how meticulously prepared you are, you should be prepared for what Robert Jackson says below. “I used to say that, as Solicitor General, I made three arguments in every case. First came the one I had planned – as I thought logical, coherent, complete. Second was the one I actually presented – interrupted, […]

HuffPost Bureau Chief Talks Exclusives, Do’s and Don’t’s of Pitching

From Seth Arenstein at PRNews Online… How can you get your executive or organization quoted in a national media outlet? It’s a defining question for PR pros at companies and institutions of all sizes. One way is pitching a story about something an executive or company is doing locally that may have national implications, says […]

Belichick Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry

This newsletter often writes about the subject of apologies.  Good apologies, fake apologies, non-apologies, along with examples and critiques.  Jason Gay from the Wall Street Journal, is arguably one of the best sports writers in the country.  Here’s his take on a recent apology by New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. ——————————————– Belichick Means Never […]

Why Should a Government Agency Reach Out To a Crisis Communications Firm?

By Stephanie York, JD, Hennes Communications Any government agency should prioritize communicating truthfully, transparently, quickly and effectively, using traditional media, social media, the agency’s website and any other methods available. A serious issue or crisis ups the ante on communications. That’s when stakeholders most need correct and timely information.  That’s also when damaging misinformation and […]