The odds seem long for Rep. Matt Gaetz to clear his name and reputation, although this story changes daily. His task is not impossible, though. If Gaetz beats the allegations, he can restore his reputation by focusing on the basics of crisis response and strategic communication.
Crisis Management
15 Timeless Principles of Crisis Management
April 6th, 2021 by Deb HilemanDeb Hileman outlines her top 15 fundamental principles of crisis management for communicators to keep top of mind.
For Worst Of fenses, Execs’ Apologies Should be Public and PR Pros Must Fight for the Right Words, Not Best Legal Phrases
April 6th, 2021 by Erika BradburyIn this issue, we answer the question, how do you counsel a leader to issue a heartfelt apology, particularly when the person is reluctant to admit culpability? What best practices do you recommend for preparing communicators to handle these situations?
That’s Accountability? Pension Fund CEO Ousted After Cutting Line for Vaccine
April 6th, 2021 by Seth ArensteinMark Machin, who headed the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) until Feb. 26, and his partner flew to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Machin cut the vaccine line to receive his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. As we do each month, we ask crisis communicators if this crisis was averted based on the response.
Recent Massive Cyber Hacks Call for a Long View of Crisis Communication
April 5th, 2021 by Seth ArensteinIt’s a loaded question to ask when a PR crisis ends. With some crises, reminders last indefinitely. In other cases, the actual crisis lasts for months. We begin a series that updates crises mentioned in previous editions of Crisis Insider and offers additional insights.
Despite its Pandemic-Response Plan, Southwest Airlines Pivoted Often
March 25th, 2021 by Erika BradburyUnlike many organizations, Southwest Airlines entered the current pandemic with a pandemic-response plan. Despite that, the carrier found organizational dexterity was critical to communicating during the past 12 months, SVP& CCO Linda Rutherford said during a keynote address at PRNEWS’ Crisis Management Virtual Event.
How the QAnon Shaman’s Media Ploy Became a PR Nightmare
March 24th, 2021 by Evan NiermanAll publicity is good publicity. Not so fast. When a company or person faces legal charges, inviting the press for an interview can backfire. Take the example of Jacob Angeli, the QAnon Shaman, whose jailhouse interview backfired badly.
Marketing Company Dangles Vaccine to Test Employees on Phishing
March 18th, 2021 by Seth ArensteinFor some, transparency and trust took a detour recently. A marketing company dangled COVID-19 vaccine in front of employees to see if they’d bite on a phishing scam. Some communicators believe the move might be justified in an effort to ward off cyber crime. Let the debate continue.
Crisis Response: Did Buckingham Palace Wait Too Long?
March 9th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanWith the entire world waiting, pressure was on Buckingham Palace communicators to issue a response to Oprah’s interview with Harry and Meghan. Though brief, the statement, issued some 48 hours after the interview was shown in the former colonies, expressed compassion for the couple and concern for some of the issues raised, one communicator said.
Governor Cuomo Fumbles PR Response as Allegations Grow
March 2nd, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzA trio of women has come forward with sexual harassment allegations against New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a PR nightmare for his office to say the least. For someone who was hailed as a great communicator during the early months of the pandemic, the governor has responded ineffectively. We asked PR pros what they would have done differently.