The Public Relations Blog

A news article was published about your company, which included misleading information, factual errors, innuendos, and even half-truths. This leads to a crisis for your company, especially in the court of public opinion. 

Your company has several options to handle this crisis: ignore it, create some FAQs to correct the errors, hold a news conference, or issue a video statement during a crisis. 

Handling that first negative online article 

As much as you believe your company won’t be affected by negative articles and reviews ranking in an online search, at some point, it will happen – and it can have a serious impact on your company. 

There are many places where consumers can leave negative reviews that can rank on page one when a prospective consumer uses Google to search for your company. That first negative review or even a new negative review can leave you and your company reeling and unsure of your next steps. It is important to understand how your company’s online reputation can change with a negative review. 

Reporters write and report on stories about people and companies every day. While most articles are neutral, some articles portray an individual or company positively, and some cast the company and/or its executives in a negative light. When a negative article surfaces, at what point might you decide to file a lawsuit against a news outlet or reporter?

Libel and slander are two terms often used interchangeably to express journalism that is harmful to an individual or organization. However, they are not the same. In some instances, statements made against you or your company could be considered libel or slander. What’s the difference? 

Ready to find out how Mall of America, as a major retail destination consistently providing first-class experiences, while dealing with different COVID-19 challenges?

Guest:

Dan Jasper has served as the director of public relations at Mall of America for 17 years and has more than 20 years of PR and communications experience prior to that. Dan leads public relations, community relations, social media, storytelling, tourism, and the advanced service portal at the Mall of America. He is a key national spokesperson for the mall and also manages crisis communications and government affairs.

Some companies are under fire for failing to keep their promises to uphold racial equality and diversity

A year ago, the world burned with protests and cries over the gruesome murder of George Floyd by police officers in broad daylight. Corporate America made quite a spectacle by pledging to support black businesses with grants, improve diversity in their companies, donate to Black nonprofits, and more.

However, one year later, it appears that the flame of corporate commitments to social justice died just as quickly as it started.

Company responses to cyberattacks dictate public perception.

With Colonial Pipeline recovering from a cyberattack organized by a cybercriminal gang, the encounter has left the industry a number of lessons regarding cybersecurity. Here are some tips for crisis communication management in the event of a cyberattack:

Company responses to cyberattacks dictate public perception.

After a major breach of SolarWinds’ network management software, various entities, including companies and government agencies, had various reactions in order to manage the crisis. This post discusses the cybersecurity saga and how companies can implement efficient crisis communications management.

Learn how to build a team that will improve a brand’s damaged reputation with our guest Mark Sherwood.

Guest:

Our episode guest is Mark Sherwood, Deputy Executive Director of Marketing at Detroit Public Schools Community. He develops and manages annual marketing and communication strategies, staff, budgets, research, competitive analysis and surveys.

Reputation management relies on strong inclusion efforts.

An organization’s reputation doesn’t just depend on provided services, customer relations, and public communications. Diversity and inclusion, both within the organization’s workforce and in the work it does, is an integral part of a company’s image. 

Find out the top traits and tips for successful crisis communications leaders.

Every team is going through some level of crisis or disruption right now considering we’re in month 13 of living through a global pandemic. If you have the honor to lead your company, you must improve your emotional intelligence and increase your transparency. This is especially true during a crisis. 

A crisis situation is overwhelmingly stressful, and that’s why we plan and practice for these moments so we don’t lose our cool, snap at someone, or say something inappropriate or insensitive.