Le

ss P

ow

erf

ul

More

Pow

erf

ul

Less Passionate More Passionate

Crisis Management Framework for Media Relations

DiffuseIf the media is powerful but not so

much passionate about your crisis,

you should reason with them to

diffuse the matter. Acknowledge it,

but help them to see it from your

point of view.

DefyIf the media is not powerful and not

passionate about your crisis, you

can overpower them. Threaten

then by bringing them to court over

false claims and defamation.

DifferIf the media is both powerful and

passionate about the crisis, your

best option is to give in, maybe

even apologize, and show them

that you still care. It is hard to win

in this situation.

DeflectIf the media is passionate about

the crisis but not powerful, you

should try to deflect the issue.

Blame someone else, focus them

on other more pressing issues, or

on other achievements your company has made.

DefendIf you are in the right and

have been wrongly

accused, take your stand

and defend your position.