Mac's Musings
Crisis News Management – The China Syndrome 18.5.08
27/05/2008The part the media play in any crisis is illustrated once again by the parallel tragedies in China and Burma. Give the right message and you win public support and understanding, give a negative message and you face condemnation.
Burma has illustrated once again its complete contempt for the lives and well-being of its own people. Nor does it care a fig for what the international community thinks.
No surprises there.
Its position has been roundly condemned by the Western media and I doubt that news coverage of the disaster in neighbouring countries has been much more complimentary. So Burma has further reinforced a very negative image of itself.
By contrast, China has - for once - got everything right. Not only has it tackled the earthquake aftermath with commendable speed and efficiency, it has allowed instant access to outside aid agencies and the world's media. Even the most cynical of journalists have praised the rescue effort.
Let's not get too carried away. China was suffering a severe positive image deficit after its ill-judged Olympic torch relay across the Western world in the wake of its ruthless crushing of dissent in Tibet. But it has now gone a long way to redress the balance.
Perhaps, just perhaps, the Chinese Government has learnt some lessons from these episodes. Perhaps the Olympics will really prove to be a force for change.
Any wider messages for business?
Yes. The very best crisis planning isn't much use unless this is combined with a clear, positive media message. Businesses are not like governments - they really don't survive without the support and approval of customers, suppliers, staff, shareholders and the wider community.
