Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Managing A Hostile Journalist

Posted by Anonymous on 3/4/2008 at 5:21 AM ET 300 Points
Hi all,

I am meeting a customer early next week and would like to seek your advice and suggestions for their situation.
They are holding an event for the Financial Services industry soon. Recently a journalist has attacked the industry for winning and dining themselves, for receiving awards; for paying for tables & enjoying golf outings at a high cost: – all when the industry is underperforming. Attacks also include: she herself & other press not being invited to similar events; & rationale for event itself.

It would be great to be able to suggest a few ways to manage this journalist.

Thanks in advance.
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by ilan on 3/4/2008 at 5:33 AM Member
    I am just curious as to what you mean by "managing this journalist"
    Obviously a journalist can write and report on anything he/she likes, and there are ways to always prove that some of the written material is simply not true.
    I do believe as a customer that the financial services industry is not performing, readers letters to newspapers and magazines are supporting this assumption and feelings amongst unhappy customers.
    In your case, it seems that this journalist was already "handled" by the industry, that simply doesn't invite her anymore to the lavish events.
    The other way to "manage" her is by proving that she is wrong and start performing!
    The truth is scary business.
  • Posted on 3/4/2008 at 8:24 AM Member
    Definitely don't invite her out to a tet-a-tet over dinner where you surprise her with an award and a voucher for a free game of golf at the local country club...
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 3/4/2008 at 11:39 AM Accepted
    Are their comments true and substantiated?

    If not, then a response is appropriate.

    If they are, then consider the appearance that you are creating to the general public and backlash that could ensue. If changes result, thank the journalist for "getting your house in order".
  • Posted on 3/4/2008 at 11:50 AM Author
    Hi all,
    Thanks so much for your thoughts.

    ilan: by 'managing this journalist', I really only meant that, with all relationships - whether PR or customer - I think there is a need to be proactive and/or reactive. E.g. if customer complains about X service then we need to do something about it. Given this situation where journalist is giving out about events within FS industry is there something that can do to reduce the hostility e.g. she gives out not about being invited to that previous event so should they invite her to the event?
    Or is there anything else to be done??

    NuCoPro & paca001: I like that - treat her like all the rest. From our business side of things - I'm really trying to arm myself with a number of suggestions that I can talk about to my customer when the discussion arises. PR or dealings with the media isn't what we do (we provide IT hardware to them) but we have a great relationship with this customer & given the personalities at the meeting we openly discuss all parts of their business. This is something I think they value and in the past they have invited us to participate in workshops for their new brochure.

    jacob: Thanks for the tip ;)
  • Posted by darcy.moen on 3/4/2008 at 9:27 PM Member
    Why not do like Benjamin Franklin did when his competitors tried to drive him out of business by always undercutting his prices...invite the journalist over for a 'banker's lunch'. Explain that your firm or industry is taking the negative feedback seriously and certain changes in policy have been made. Serve a bowl of sawdust and a glass of water for the luncheon meal. Yes, Ms Journalist, change is occuring. THIS is the new standard lunch that will be served until the industry starts to perform.

    Bet that would make a few headlines, if not make a point.

    Darcy Moen
  • Posted by michael on 3/5/2008 at 12:34 AM Member
    "Never pick a fight with someone who buys their ink by the barrell."

    If you want to invite her, invite her. Just make sure you invite other press. If the goal of the event is to recognize people who do their job well then she can lie whether you invite her or not.

    I would assume you have press from industry magazines. That should cover it.

    Michael
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Advertising/PR)