Establishing Media Partnerships in Crisis Response

Abstract

Prominent crisis communication researchers have suggested that practitioners should work with the media as partners when managing a crisis (Ulmer, Sellnow, & Seeger, 2007). This study provides an example of a crisis case in which the media was embraced as a partner in the crisis response. Specifically, the partnership established with the media as part of the crisis response following the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City is assessed. Conclusions further the literature on interorganizational partnerships while encouraging research and discussion concerning working with the media as a partner instead of an adversary in public relations, generally, and crisis communication, specifically.

Keywords:

• Crisis Communication
• Interorganizational Partnerships
• Media Relations

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shari R. Veil

Shari R. Veil is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and the Director of the Center for Risk Sciences in the College of Communications and Information Studies at the University of Kentucky.

Francisco Ojeda

Francisco Ojeda is an ADEPS communications writer/editor for COMPA Industries, Inc.