This document discusses best practices for media handling during a crisis. It notes that crises generate media interest because stories sell papers. It also stresses that the impact of media is now global, as any story can spread everywhere, and media controls the news agenda. The document provides guidance on effective crisis communication, including taking initiative, using information to maneuver, preparing a team and messages in advance through scenarios, and maintaining control of the situation despite its uncertainty and fast pace. The overall objective is to continue operations with as few constraints as possible despite the disruptive events of a crisis.

1. MEDIA HANDLING IN A CRISISConsilia Ltd

2. The danger “A lie can be half way round the world before the truth has got its boots on.”

3. Why the media loves crises Stories sell papersCrises send up circulationWhole structure of media designed to handle crises:fast communications linksstaff trainingmanagerial structures

4. Impact of media The impact of media is now globalA story anywhere is a story everywhereThey control news agendaImpact of pressure groups

5. Communication in tough timesThe basic rules

6. A situation to be avoided “... no general should ever be: in a fight whose conduct, course and outcome he cannot control”. - Simon Jenkins, writing about the war in Iraq, The Sunday Times

7. Why crisis communications mattersCrisis communications is about surviving problems by managing them…

8. Crises – An Overview Nature of crises:Random Shortage of accurate informationFast movingKey staff often not availableUncertainty of outcome Participants lack of experience

9. How to Respond - 1 Where do you want to be ?Work back from thereThat gives a strategyTake the initiative Create space to manoeuvreControl timetable if possible

10. How to respond - 2 Take initiativeUse information effectivelyDon’t be afraid of facts and detailDon’t get caught out Maintain close contact with crisis teamDraw on external experts earlier not later

11. Crisis Handling - Lessons Be instinctive“Steer for the sound of the guns”Keep intellectually above the battleDon’t speculate Don’t make promises you can’t fulfill

12. Crisis PreparationBe a Boy Scout - “Be Prepared” Know core MessagesPrepare and train teamRun scenario exercises

13. Your objectiveContinuing to manage your activities with as few constraints as possiblei.e. achieving results despite events