Author: Erik Rolfsen
The Pepsi Syringe Scare: How a Media Frenzy Nearly Took Down a Giant
In 1993, Pepsi faced a national panic over syringes in soda cans—but instead of apologizing, it fought back with facts and video proof. The bold strategy worked, offering key lessons in media crisis response and narrative control.
The Crisis That Changed Everything: How the Tylenol Poisoning Case Reshaped Corporate Crisis Management
A massive communications crisis hit Johnson & Johnson in 1982 after seven people in the Chicago area consumed Tylenol capsules laced with potassium cyanide.
From Issues to Crises: How Disorganized Media Response Turns Small Problems Into Big Ones
Reputational damage doesn’t happen in an instant. It’s usually a series of small missteps that turns an issue into a full-blown crisis—and it can be avoided.
Easing the Pressure: Tools and Tips for Crisis Communication Teams
During a crisis, having a centralized hub for all external communications and messaging can be the difference between staying in control and getting overwhelmed.
Why Playing by ‘Old Media’ Rules Might Be Holding Your Strategy Back
The outlets with the biggest reach might not play by journalistic rules anymore, and it’s up to newsmakers to adjust.
Aligning Communication Strategies with Broader Social Issues
Communication strategies that reflect and engage with social issues can help your organization stay relevant.
Annual Conferences for Media Relations Professionals
With so many annual conferences that cater to media relations professionals, it can be overwhelming to find the ones that are truly worth your time.
Developing a Proactive Media Strategy with Limited Resources
Even resource-strapped organizations such as non-profits, public-sector entities and small businesses can—and should—build a proactive media strategy. Here’s how.
How to Track Media Coverage for Free
Free media monitoring tools are flawed, but if you’re on a budget and don’t have complex needs, here are couple that can do the job.
How to Influence Leadership as a Communications Professional
Here’s how you make yourself indispensable, get leadership to see communication as strategy, and ultimately, shape the story before you have to tell it.
