Chris Rock’s Joke About Actress Jada Pinkett Smith Creates Crisis For Academy Awards and Will Smith
It was indeed the slap heard ’round the world. But if you’re looking for Hollywood gossip, look elsewhere. Instead, let’s look at the situation from the crisis management point of view. Here’s how I saw it: If you’re a high-power celeb and you sit in the front row of the Academy Award ceremonies, you are […]
Who Should Take the Lead in a Crisis?
With no barriers to entry, every public relations firm in the U.S. – and many around the world – now appear to offer “crisis communications.” They don’t. At least, all of those who claim to don’t. Crisis work requires a different – and often counterintuitive – skill set from the traditional practice of public relations. […]
Joint Message From the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Regarding the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a private meeting with a group of CEO’s to hear Eric Smith, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Cleveland, Ohio office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, talk about cybersecurity. The main takeaway was this plea: If your organization is hacked, you should immediately notify the FBI and CISA. […]
I’ve Been a Hostage Negotiator for Kidnapped Journalists Like Daniel Pearl. Here’s What I Wish Everyone Knew.
From Daniel Levin, writing in The Forward… Today marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Daniel Pearl, the American journalist who was kidnapped and then brutally murdered by terrorists in Pakistan on Feb. 1, 2002. Danny’s death affected me deeply — his abduction on the way to an arranged interview at a Karachi restaurant, […]
Why Spotify Can’t Afford to Lose Joe Rogan
From Ashley Carman, writing for The Verge… You’ve probably seen this by now, but to catch you up if not: On Monday, Neil Young issued an ultimatum to Spotify: keep Joe Rogan or me. It can’t have both on the service. “I am doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines — potentially causing death […]
Crisis Communications 101: Should You Apologize for Mistakes?
By Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications If you’ve ever attended one of our seminars on crisis communications, we often talk about the power of apology. Real apologies; apologies that are authentic and true; apologies without qualification or the use of “weasel words” (e.g. “mistakes were made”). Perhaps no industry does apology better AND worse than the […]
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 […]
Psaki Statement Offers a COVID Disclosure Guide for PR Pros
From Sophie Maerowitz, writing for PR News… Yesterday (Oct. 31), White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki disclosed that she contracted COVID-19. In a statement posted to Twitter and published by the Associated Press, Psaki shared the circumstances of her positive COVID test result, as well as the actions she has taken since. The timing and content of Psaki’s […]
Just Because You Don’t Believe in Conspiracy Theories Doesn’t Mean You’re Always Right
From Adrian J. Rivera, writing for The New York Times… Every so often, something so awful and senseless happens that it’s hard to fully absorb it. An apartment building collapses as residents sleep within. A movie star’s prop gun fires a real bullet on a film set, killing a young mother. A concert crowd morphs […]
Why Should a Local School District or Independent/Parochial School Reach Out To a Crisis Communications Firm?
By Stephanie York, JD, Hennes Communications Q: Why should a local school district, an independent or parochial school reach out to a crisis communications firm? A: Quick – What’s the single highest priority for a superintendent, head or board president? It’s not education. It’s safety. And just one part of that safety net is making […]