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Horse meat: how not to handle the press

By February 13, 2013April 27th, 2014No Comments

Thanks to the Daily Telegraph for a perfect example of how not to handle the press.

Subject: the horse meat scandal.

“The Daily Telegraph spoke yesterday to Mr Boddy’s son, who declined to be named but said, ‘It’s a load of hype, it’s not true. It’s crap.’ … [at another company] the owner referred enquiries to Colin Patterson, his plant manager. When contacted by the Daily Telegraph, a man answered the phone as Colin then hung up. When contacted again, he said he was in fact Dai the cleaner, adding that Mr Patterson was unavailable.”

Daily Telegraph Lesley Hussell

Those under pressure (individual or corporate) should abide by three rules:

1. If it’s no comment, stick to that and say nothing at all.

2. Get a damage-limitation strategy together asap and keep to the agreed line.

3. Don’t accept the premise of the question.

Oh yes, and try not to look foolish.

For good advice on media crisis management, talk to our friends at Navigate Design.

We’re speaking with 20+ years of Fleet Street experience!

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Lesley

I’m Lesley Hussell and my job is to bring some copywriting magic to your business, so you sell more, inspire your staff or spread your message far and wide. You’ll want to know how I measure up against other copywriters you’re considering, and whether I’m good enough to be trusted with your brand. If you’re looking for quick wit, creative thinking and a flair for compelling content writing.