Crisis Communication Examples – The Good and the…Not So Good

Posted on: 13, Nov 23

Erik Bernstein crisis communication

In the realm of public relations and brand management, crisis communication plays a critical role. A well-handled crisis can significantly mitigate damage to a brand’s reputation, while a poorly managed one can amplify the negative impact. This post will explore some notable crisis communication examples from well-known brands in recent years, highlighting both effective and…let’s just say “not so effective” approaches.

HBO’s “Confederate” – When a Press Release is the Wrong Approach

Posted on: 10, Sep 17

Erik Bernstein crisis communication Leave a Comment

The announcement of HBO’s new show, “Confederate,” which takes place in an alternate timeline where Southern states successfully seceded from the union and slavery remains legal, was already bound to draw criticism. It’s pretty much the definition of a touchy topic. The way the show was announced, however, created even …

[Infographic] Preparing for Crisis Communications

Posted on: 03, Apr 16

Erik Bernstein crisis communication Leave a Comment

Are you ready to get messaging moving in the midst of crisis? Today’s stakeholders expect crisis communications to be in full swing just minutes after an incident occurs. To work effectively in the slim window of time you have before criticism begins to build you simply must be prepared. Prepared …

Nonprofit Communication and Crisis Management

Posted on: 08, Jan 16

Erik Bernstein crisis communication, Nonprofit Leave a Comment

What will drive this comms-heavy niche in 2016? Combating misinformation disseminated by misguided protesters, coping with internal politics turned ugly, wrangling members, employees or associates who aren’t representing the organization well…these are just a few of the crisis communication fires you may find yourself putting out if you’re involving in …

Communication Through the Years

Posted on: 13, Dec 15

Erik Bernstein crisis communication Leave a Comment

My how things have changed! At the core of nearly every aspect of crisis management you will find communication. Even if you consider yourself a master of crafting the right message, there’s no arguing that the precise “how” of transmitting ideas, instructions, and explanations is constantly shifting. We came across …

DoT Forces Takata’s Recall Into the Fast Lane

Posted on: 20, May 15

Erik Bernstein crisis communication, crisis management, Crisis Prevention, Crisis Response, Erik Bernstein, Jonathan Bernstein, public relations, recall crisis management, reputation management Leave a Comment

Dragging your feet is an easy way to make a bad situation worse Air bag manufacturer Takata has been dragging its feet when it comes to a widespread recall despite agreeing that a defect does exist which causes potentially deadly ruptures in its product. Used in cars from a variety …

How Has Social Media Impacted Breaking News?

Posted on: 29, Dec 14

Jonathan Bernstein communications, crisis communication, crisis communications, crisis management, crisis public relations, Crisis Response, Erik Bernstein, Jonathan Bernstein, PR, public relations, reputation management, social media 23 Comments

Knowing about factors that influence reporting will help your crisis management There’s no doubt that social media has affected the way breaking news is reported, for better and for worse. Regardless of whether you believe it’s been a boon or a bane, you need to be versed on the changes …

UNC Scrambles for Crisis Management Amid Scandal

Posted on: 24, Oct 14

Jonathan Bernstein crisis communication, crisis communications, crisis management, Crisis Prevention, crisis public relations, Crisis Response, Erik Bernstein, Jonathan Bernstein, public relations, reputation management, sports crisis management Leave a Comment

A sign of deeper institutional issues? It’s not exactly a secret that star school athletes are frequently given special treatment, and we’re surprised that it hasn’t created scandals for more educational institutions. Some of that may be changing though, after revelations of academic scandal dating back nearly twenty years at …

Data Breach Crisis Management for Kmart

Posted on: 11, Oct 14

Jonathan Bernstein crisis communication, crisis communications, crisis management, crisis public relations, Crisis Response, cyber security, cybersecurity, data breach, Erik Bernstein, hackers, hacking, Jonathan Bernstein, public relations, reputation management Leave a Comment

You didn’t really think we’d get through a full week without a data breach story, did you? Yesterday saw Sears Holdings Corp. announce a data breach at its Kmart stores with the statement below, posted to the Kmart website: Did you spot the element that was missing from this message? …

Crisis Management Quotables…on Delivering Your Message

Posted on: 07, Oct 14

Erik Bernstein crisis communication, crisis communications, crisis management, Crisis Prevention, crisis public relations, Crisis Response, Erik Bernstein, Jonathan Bernstein, PR, public relations, reputation management Leave a Comment

Present a clear message when communicating in crisis I came across a quote from artist Hans Hoffman on the Mr. Media Training blog and thought it would make for a particularly interesting Crisis Management Quotable. You see, when Hoffman shared the thought below, he wasn’t speaking about verbal or written …

Ferguson Chief’s Crisis Management Comes Late

Posted on: 26, Sep 14

Jonathan Bernstein communications, crisis communication, crisis communications, crisis management, crisis public relations, Crisis Response, Erik Bernstein, Jonathan Bernstein, law enforcement crisis management, media relations, media training, public relations, reputation management 3 Comments

Is this a sign of hope for resolution, or just smooth PR? The handling of Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri has been characterized by poor communication, over-reaction, and the creation of an “us vs. them” attitude. Today, in a move that comes far too late but also sparks hope …

NFL’s Old-School Crisis Management Doesn’t Cut It

Posted on: 19, Sep 14

Jonathan Bernstein crisis communication, crisis communications, crisis management, Crisis Prevention, crisis public relations, Crisis Response, Erik Bernstein, Jonathan Bernstein, PR, public relations, reputation management, social media crisis management, social media reputation management 1 Comment

It’s time to break the cycle of crisis As you’re certainly aware, the NFL is once again in desperate need of crisis management as a result of not only Ray Rice, but also the league’s handling of his entire situation.  Many, especially the women who make up an estimated 45% …