PRNEWS and partner Yonder recently gathered a panel of senior communicators for a webinar about coronavirus and PR. With more than 1,500 attendees, the session produced more audience questions than we could handle. Here are some of the best questions, with answers from another panel of PR pros.
Crisis Management
The Heart of PR: 80% Say Staff Safety Trumps New Revenue, 48% Strategizing for Post-Virus Era
April 7th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinWe surveyed more than 200 senior PR professionals to find out how they are coping with coronavirus, what changes they are making (or not) in their communications internally and externally. Some of their answers surprised us.
Pandemic Forces PR to Confront Edit Calendars: ‘Is My Message a Priority or Appropriate Now?’
April 7th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinNext in our series of interviews with senior communicators we speak with Julie O’Donnell, who last month was named EVP/global head of digital at health communications and PR firm Evoke. We asked her what she sees communicators doing well or badly in this moment with their digital communications.
How to Respond to Media Inquiries About Employees Testing Positive
April 6th, 2020 by Aidan RyanAs the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rise, your organization likely will need to respond to media about an employee(s) testing positive. This is not a time to panic. To help you respond, we offer guidance from the law firm of Goldberg Segalla. Key points include communicating calm, being transparent and offering accurate information about the employee and your coronavirus procedures.
Tips for Health Care Providers on Communicating During COVID-19
April 6th, 2020 by Erika BradburyCommunications during COVID-19 is fraught with challenges. From communicating to employees about the potential for pay cuts, furloughs or even layoffs, to determining how to notify people of exposure to the virus, communicators have their work cut out for them. Since health care arguably is at the center of most of our lives at the moment, communications in and out of hospitals is in the spotlight.
‘Coronavirus Has Made Me Long for a ‘Normal’ Crisis’
April 3rd, 2020 by Brad RossYou know things are bad when a chief communications officer longs for a ‘normal’ crisis. That’s the case for City of Toronto’s CCO Brad Ross as he works to communicate vital messages during coronavirus. At least crises during pre-COVID-19 had a timeline, Ross writes. “Give us a fighting chance. COVID-19 is otherworldly,” Ross laments.
How PR Can Break Through COVID-19 News Fatigue
April 2nd, 2020 by Mark RenfreeAs news fatigue sets in, communicators are left with an uphill battle. The situation changes daily, with deaths and infections ever-increasing and new policies and information about how individuals can stay safe being updated constantly. People still need information, the challenge for PR is to make sure they get it.
Four Ways Communicators Can Add Value During Coronavirus
March 31st, 2020 by Michael MunzYou’ve created your coronavirus messaging plan and advised executives to communicate authentically, transparently and from the heart. Your job is far from over, though. Perhaps the most important thing a communicator can do at this time is to be available and make plans for the day when the coronavirus ebbs.
5 Tips for Communications Leaders During the Pandemic
March 27th, 2020 by Valerie ChristophersonThe pandemic has thrown many of us into a frenzy. Now is the time for PR leaders to proceed with calm and rely on principles and tactics that have served you well throughout the years. Moving forward, creativity, transparency and management skills will be in demand.
Tips for Communicating Layoffs During The Pandemic
March 27th, 2020 by Erika BradburyWith economic activity drastically reduced, businesses are laying off, furloughing or cutting salaries of workers. We’ve assembled a collection of tips and tactics to help communicate these actions during this especially difficult and uncertain time.