Government v. Media

Read a newspaper column on bad media relations by Mark Grabowski:

"As a journalism professor who also runs a media relations firm, I believe that The Mississippi Press was both right and wrong in its editorial blasting Gautier city's media relations memo..."

Media relations tip of the week

A journalist’s job is to write a story. That doesn’t mean she’s obligated to write your story.

For example, say city officials decide to install new parking meters. A journalist could lead her story by discussing how community members voiced their opposition to this, calling it "slimy" and "greedy." On the other hand, a journalist could lead with, "To avoid a budget deficit without raising taxes, city officials will install parking meters..."

The first lead seems negative and the second lead sounds pro-government. But neither is factually inaccurate. Yet, when I was a journalist, I encountered government officials who would go as far as attempting to get a reporter fired for writing a lead like the first one.

Such reaction is absurd and, in the end, the government official only looks bad.

-Professor Mark Grabowski

For more media relations help, visit mediaunspun.net

Media relations advice for Newfoundland

Read column by Mark Grabowski on a media relations gaffe in Canada:

"A recent Meeker on Media Telegram weblog column (E-mail trail, Dec. 12, 2007) detailing an e-mail trail between a journalist and the premier’s communication director provides a good example of how not to deal with the press..."

Media relations tip of the week

Never make enemies with the press. That's a battle you can't win.

-Professor Mark Grabowski

For more media relations help, visit mediaunspun.net

Sports scandals and crisis communication

Read op-ed by Mark Grabowski on how recent sports scandals can teach executives and decisions-makers a lesson in crisis communications:

"...Not commenting or speaking through a lawyer will lead many to conclude that a player is hiding something. Consider that Mark McGwire went from being a Hall of Fame shoo-in to a pariah after taking a no-comment stance on his alleged steroid use..."

Media relations tip of the week

It makes sense for an organization to create some controls over the flow of information. A low-level employee in a huge corporation, for example, doesn't speak for the entire corporation. But that won't necessarily stop a reporter from interviewing him. Even views expressed by a senior vice president might not reflect the corporation's official stance on an issue. By designating a few or even just one media spokesperson, an organization can help ensure that only correct information is given to the public.


-Professor Mark Grabowski

For more media relations help, visit mediaunspun.net

Media relations tip of the week

The news cycle is 24-7. Feed the beast that is the media. Ignoring media requests or saying "no comment" creates a vacuum of information. And newspaper column space and broadcast time that would be filled with your side of the story might, instead, be used to quote one of your critics.

-Professor Mark Grabowski

For more media relations help, visit mediaunspun.net