Why We Need Truth Over Politics in a Crisis

That Solo Life, Episode 270: Why We Need Truth Over Politics in a Crisis

In this Episode

 

Recorded in the aftermath of Hurricane, this episode of "That Solo Life" podcast looks at the issue of misinformation in the wake of a crisis. Hosts, Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane  examine the real world impact of mis-, mal- and disinformation during a regional crisis.

 

The hosts emphasize the need to avoid misinformation and politicization during such crises. They also emphasize the importance of having a decision framework in place to help clients navigate appropriate responses and avoid opportunistic behavior. The discussion underscores the role of PR professionals in informing the public, educating on discerning fact from fiction, and mobilizing practical assistance for those in need.

The discussion examines the rampant misinformation that often surfaces during crises, stressing. the need for accurate information  Karen and Michelle assert that a human crisis should not be politicized.

The importance of providing factual support to those in need rather than engaging in political games or spreading false narratives is stressed. 

Listeners are reminded of the importance of being a reliable source of information and support during crises. We encourage PR pros to step up, educate the public, and focus on helping those in need. We express our gratitude to our listeners for their dedication to the profession and invite them to share their thoughts and feedback.

Join us as we navigate these critical conversations and strive to uplift our communities in times of need. Thank you for tuning in to That Solo Life!

Episode Timeline:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Acknowledgment of Hurricane Helene
The hosts introduce themselves and express their support for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

00:01:10 - Support for PR Pros Affected by the Hurricane
Discussion on the importance of community support for PR professionals impacted by the disaster.

00:02:11 - Addressing Misinformation During Crises
The hosts emphasize the need to combat myths and disinformation during crises, highlighting the importance of accurate information.

00:03:53 - The Importance of Truth in Communication
A conversation about the erosion of trust in institutions and the necessity of truthful communication in PR.

00:05:22 - The Role of PR Professionals in Educating the Public
Discussion on how PR pros can help the public discern fact from fiction and find reliable resources.

00:06:27 - Disasters Are Not PR Opportunities
The hosts express their frustration with brands leveraging disasters for marketing purposes.

00:07:35 - Humanitarian Focus Over Marketing
A call to action for organizations to focus on genuine help rather than opportunistic marketing during crises.

00:09:32 - The Need for a Decision Framework in PR
The importance of having a decision-making framework to guide clients in responding to crises appropriately.

00:12:14 - The Role of PR Professionals as Safety Patrols
The hosts liken their role to that of safety patrols, emphasizing their responsibility to guide clients through challenging situations.

00:13:01 - Conclusion and Call to Action
Wrapping up the episode with encouragement for PR pros and a reminder to share the podcast and provide feedback.

Resources:

• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Disaster-Related Misinformation Isn’t Unique to Helene and Milton
• Institute for Strategic Dialogue: Hurricane Helene brews up storm of online falsehoods and threats
• FEMA.gov: Addressing Hurricane Helene Rumors and Scams

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