Effective Media Relations - Essay Example

? Effective Media Relations EFFECTIVE MEDIA RELATIONS As the Director of Media Relations during a disaster scenario I would like to take the following steps through which I will ensure that the organization’s corporate image has been maintained among the workforce, shareholders and the public. Moreover, these steps will also ensure effective media relations which will highlight the company’s quick recovery, to the masses. • I would like to address the public, our workforce and the shareholders through a memorandum which will highlight the situation of the organization at this disastrous situation. • The memo will include a complete description of the organization’s current progress which will provide the public with visible and transparent progress of the organization. • I would like to assign a head of operations in my response team which will establish effective communication between the workforce, management and external parties i.e. FEMA. • The head will also maintain relations within the workforce and response team. • If the stock shares, and share value of the organization stays stable in the market and the organization does not undergo any huge loss then it can be said that the media campaign has been of greater help. • It would be because of the trust of the stakeholders and the public that organization will recover quickly. Moreover, the workforce will also be held responsible for the success of the campaign. To: Mr. XYZ From: Director Media Relation, ABC Organization. Subject: To develop effective media relations. Every organization faces some challenges during its expansion. Some of these challenges are always unexpected for which the organization is not prepared for, thus, beyond the control of management. Every organization at the time of strategic planning, devise a plan which ensures to encounter every challenge and the threat that may endanger the business or anything associated with it. However, some challenges are sudden and anticipated therefore, does not allow management to any action. This memo aims to address the concerned authorities regarding the astonishing earthquake which has shaken the infrastructure of our organization i.e. ABC. The disastrous earthquake which hit the city the following night has greatly affected the organization in a variety of ways. Despite of the damages and the great loss which our organization has suffered I would like the people, shareholders, and employees to keep calm and stand firm against the natural disaster. The raw material site of the organization is completely damaged which has created a major issue for the current operations to continue. Moreover, the infrastructure of the building is also damaged. At this crucial time I would like to inform the people that the building is under reconstruction and the work is going on in a steady manner. The important operations of the organization have been re-located at another safe location (as per the strategic plan of the organization) so that the workforce may not face any hurdles while continuing them. We have also assigned an external organization (third party source) for the supply of raw materials in the meantime. The raw material site and the godowns are also under quick reconstruction and are expected to be reconstructed in two weeks. The raw materials obtained from DEF organization have been double checked for quality and credibility so that our users may not face any problem or complaint. It is necessary to highlight that the organization has undergone a loss of 1.5bn $. This has demonstrated a rapid decline in the share values of the organization. I would like to ensure to all our shareholders that the share values are expected to increase in the coming week as the organization will be able to continue all its operations completely by the end of this week. Workforce plays a key role in the success and progress of any organization. Our workforce has always been a key player in our success and has always been there at crucial times which have been faced by the organization in the past. In this disaster situation I would like to inform the workforce that the organization needs their support and hard work. It is amongst their foremost duties to help the organization to recover quickly and to coordinate with the management, response team and other employees (Surmanek, 1995). Workforce are considered as the image of the organization, therefore, the organization greatly relies on their actions. I would like to assign Mr. X as the Head of the response team who will manage two major tasks at this crucial moment. Both these tasks relate in developing and maintaining strong communication channels a) within the response team and b) between the response team and FEMA. The purpose of assigning a supervisor is to ensure that the task is being done effectively. Also, it will help to divide the work load at this critical moment. It is very important for the organization to maintain strong relations with the external parties particularly FEMA. Since FEMA will be informing the US citizens regarding the disaster and the situation of the organization, therefore, it is mandatory for the head of the response team to efficiently coordinate with them (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2014). Mr. X will not only coordinate with them but will also provide them with relevant information, presentations, statistics and other information which is required by them in this regard. I would also like Mr. X to fix a meeting between our Board of Directors and FEMA (FederalEmergencyManagementAgency, 2014). Moreover, the second task assigned to Mr. X needs more attention as he will be managing and operating the response team. It is essential to appreciate the members for their hard work and to give them a push them if they are not working as per the expectation (Surmanek, 1995). The organization cannot afford any negligence or non-seriousness regarding the counter operations, therefore it need help of all members of the response team. Thus it is the duty of the head i.e. Mr. X to manage and monitor all the members of the team to effectively coordinate with other communication channels which includes social networking sites and public forums. The team should also publish a series of press releases telling the situation of the business and the damage. It is the foremost duty of Mr. X and all other team members including me to ensure that the organization develops strong communication bridge within and outside the organization as it will be a great contribution towards successful events of the organization (Surmanek, 1995). The organization is undergoing a critical period and needs support of the workforce and the response team particularly. It will be only possible with the support of our team members that the organization will be able to stand firm against the odds in this complex disaster scenario. Therefore, I would like to advice the members to fully coordinate with the management and work hard. There support is greatly needed by the organization (Surmanek, 1995). Undoubtedly, this is a crucial time for the city and the organization. It is the foremost duty of our media to address the masses in the right manner so that it should release the stress of the public rather than panicking them. The media being the fifth pillar of the society should act in a responsible manner and should refrain it from showing any false or untrue new stories. I would like to address the masses through the designated channels to stay firm and united. I would be glad if the media will coordinate with our organization in this regard and share our grief and sorrow with the people. Reference List FederalEmergencyManagementAgency. (2014, Janaury 2). Disaster Survivor Assistance. Retrieved from fema.gov: http://www.fema.gov/disaster-survivor-assistance Surmanek, J. (1995). Media planning : a practical guide. Lincolnwood: McGraw Hill. Read More