Despite the scandals that have rocked the corporate world, most PR agencies and departments have done little to safeguard themselves. This, according to the results from a
study conducted over the past few months by PR NEWS, Peppercom and Davis & Gilbert, on the impact of recent corporate scandals on PR. Respondents to the survey were high-level
PR professionals, with 76.8 percent from agencies with revenues less than $10 million.
- 67 percent of respondents claim that the PR industry is more aware of the liability inherent in disseminating information to the public.
- However, only 28 percent say they are being more cautious about disseminating information on behalf of their companies or clients.
Tactics: "Firms really need to be examining their current form of agency/client agreement," says Michael Lasky, partner, Davis & Gilbert. "Not all indemnification clauses
are created equal." Lasky says now is the time to do an internal audit and be sure you have written, signed agency/client agreements including indemnification clauses that protect
you given the business environment and the particulars of the project.
Editor's Note: Look for a more detailed analysis of these findings in the Nov. 25 issue of PR NEWS.