Crisis Communications

by Kathleen Fearn-Banks

Crisis A Casebook Approach presents case studies of organizational, corporate, and individual crises, and analyzes the communication responses to these situations. Demonstrating how professionals prepare for and respond to crises, as well as how they develop communications plans, this essential text explores crucial issues concerning communication with the news media, employees, and consumers in times of crisis. Author Kathleen Fearn-Banks examines the steps of choosing the appropriate words to convey a message, selecting the method and channels for delivering the message, and identifying and targeting the most appropriate publics or audiences. She also addresses such important topics as avoiding potential mismanagement of communication in crisis situations. Key features of this fourth edition six new cases, including several international crises current discussion of communications technology as it relates to crises a Companion Website -- www.routledge.com/textbooks/fearn-banks -- with additional cases as well as supplemental materials for students and classroom resources for instructors. A Student Workbook is also available for use with this volume, providing additional pedagogy for each chapter, including discussion questions, activities, key terms, case exercises, and worksheets. Utilizing both classic and contemporary cases of real-world situations, Crisis Communications provides students in public relations and business with real-world perspectives and valuable insights for professional responses to crises. It is intended for use in crisis communications, crisis management, and PR case studies courses.

Genres: Communication, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 15, 2007

Reviews

[Jamie Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really interesting for a textbook. One of the few I’ve read cover to cover. The section on Hurricane Katrina was particularly interesting to me because I live in New Orleans, though I didn’t until ten years after that storm. It was very helpful to read the case studies and learn what working PR professionals did during their crises.

[Catherine Bruzdzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for those wanting to learn how to manage different types of emergencies or crises. Easy to use and read from along with a great study tool for those studying communications, business, and public relations.

[Kendall Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for class and throughly enjoyed this textbook. It’s one of the few I actually finished start to end and there’s a lot of great material for aspiring journalists, strategic communicators, and public affairs officers.

[Katelynn Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's good, but it drags on much longer than it should

and its uniformity ends up being a fault once it gets ridiculously repetitive

[Ed Barks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The real value of this book is found in the appendices. Fearn-Banks includes sample crisis communications plans for large companies, non-profit organizations, and small businesses. Of course, you need to tailor the draft to your specific situation, but the templates can short circuit a lot of initial work.

[Missy Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shouldn't have marked this book as read. I'll always read it, whenever I need to. It's a terrific reference.

[Bjarne Siewertsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of great examples - but several of them had to many personal stories that did not contribute to the point.
Actually a bit of a disappointing read.