Public relations is more than just your image that is shown to the world via the news outlets like electronic, print, and digital media. It is your overall brand that is on display to all via your comments, interviews, and media interactions. However, Publicists in the entertainment world deal with a whole lot more than mere image building that ranges from dealing with a crisis to even selecting the right projects for their talent to be a part of that will contribute to their overall perception in a positive light. We take a look at some of the industry experts and their views on how to combat a tough situation.
Speaking on the same, Alpua Turakhiaa says that, “As is common with every industry, there are times you are left with a crisis to deal with. The crucial part of any crisis is being prepared with your strategy and statements. One has to have a clear understanding of the scale of what you are dealing with and also a quick response on how to react in the most effective way possible. In such a situation, a third eye view is important to gauge how your client is represented to the public. Using the right media is also extremely important for example, one can clear rumours made via mainstream media by posting on their social media, in such cases, the wordings need to be vetted before they are posted, so while one should act swiftly but you also have to be very careful and mindful.”
Sharlene Batlivala adds that, “Remaining calm is the most important aspect of any crisis like situation. Only when you are calm as a publicist, can one think and strategize on how to move ahead. Also, it is important to brief your client as well as your core team to be alert and be mindful on which ways to reply to the media in such cases. Every move tends to grab eyeballs during such times and therefore, you have to be overly cautious. Using your relations to optimal advantage is also key for example, if there is a leak of any image that will not reflect well or a story that is negative, you should be able to tackle it and safeguard your client, that’s your primary role, always protect the client.“
