Media’s Role in Crisis Management

Darrell Tracy Johnson is a professional crisis manager based in Delaware. With over 20 years of experience in crisis management and public relations, Darrell Tracy Johnson is well-versed in the media’s role in covering sudden events and how they can affect a crisis.

Media coverage for a particular crisis can have a significant outcome on how the event is handled. Media channels can significantly impact public opinion and company reputation. This allows crisis management companies to prepare for events by laying the groundwork for a positive media interaction even before a crisis happens. An excellent example is Pepsi’s 1993 incident where syringes were allegedly found in cans. The company allowed the media to record the entire manufacturing process, improve public opinion, and dissolve claims.

With an overwhelming majority of legal counsel considering a company’s reputation to be the most critical asset, keeping a close check on media coverage is the best way to prevent a crisis from spiraling out of control.