30
October
2009
Chapter 12 in the text explains the dynamics of crisis communications and the important role not only PR professionals play, but other execs of the business as well. Crisis communication planning and enacting is a complex and highly significant step organizations must take to survive. It begins with assessing potential risks, then identifying key individuals who will be in charge. Organizations must also know who they need to address in times of crisis and how to address these stakeholders.
When companies fail to prepare for emergencies, they often lose money, reputations, and sometimes people. The Hurricane Katrina example demonstrates a lack of preparedness and the consequences that ensued. The organizations involved with this situation will be continuously scrutinized, and people will remember the tragedy of failed crisis communcations. However, we can learn from this experience and improve our next actions. The DPK Public Relations firm posted a blog about the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina.
On a more personal note, my father works for DHEC in South Carolina and his job deals with emergency preparedness. He always stresses the importance of knowing what could go wrong and being ready to face anything and everything that may occur. Most recently, my father has been working on the H1N1 flu outbreak in our state. DHEC has posted what it is, symptoms, who should get the vaccine, and other pertinent information on their website dealing with this topic. DHEC and the Health Alert Network work to communicate timely and effectively to alert the public. This is what constitutes good crisis communications.
Posted: Uncategorized
26
October
2009
So, as I was surfing the net for examples of PR, I came across a blog that said someone had found a glitch in the EA Tiger Woods golf game. Apparently, the person posted a video clip on YouTube that shows when Tiger Woods hits the ball in the water and retrieves it, he is pictured walking on water. The clip was very popular, but it did not take long for EA Sports to recounter.
EA Sports responded with their own YouTube video showing the real Tiger Woods actually walking on water! This is an effective and innovative PR tactic because it directly targeted the fan/user public through the original medium used. What better way could you reach your audience than by the channels they use so frequently? This PR tactic was also successful because EA Sports used Tiger in their video, which probably generated much more viewings. It is witty, and an example of good PR because the message is catered to a specific public and creatively puts their product and name in good light again.
Posted: Uncategorized
4
October
2009
Most would agree that we currently live in a technological world. We are constantly bombarded with messages and can now counteract with our own by publishing our thoughts on social media sites. The Web 2.0 has introduced information sharing online, but it also has allowed for informal ways to maintain relationships. People can use Facebook to connect with others or use Twitter to speak their minds. This new technology is important to PR professionals because it creates new ways for them to reach and be reached by publics.
One blogger describes the power of blogs, specifically “Tweeting,” and how bloggers have the power to make change. Organizations can also improve their reputations, if they stay on their toes and react quickly to blogger’s requests. In this example, the blogger used Twitter to show her frustration for GoDaddy.com, which often uses sexist commercials to promote their services. The blogger gained momentum because others felt the same way, and as the topic gained interest, it did so with competing websites as well. She was able to get her ideas across to the actual organizations, and create change for herself and others.
Of course, there are downsides to blogs as well. One blog post about “Dell Hell” describes the negative impact blogs can have on a company’s reputation. The post claims that a scientific form of measuring the credibility and authority of blogger’s is used to determine their impact on reputation. In this instance, bloggers have been attributing to the decline of customer satisfaction for Dell owners.
These examples demonstrate how blogs can be powerful in both positive and negative ways, while also impacting both the blogger and the organization. Can PR save the day in a world so technologically consumed? Like most things, I think the profession is and will continue to adapt to the changes in our communities; but it will be through methods of trial and error.
Posted: Uncategorized