Monday, September 29, 2014

I presume you know that most markets have a local media gossip/rumor website or at least somewhere where locals can post musings about everything from DJ scandals to sale rumors and format changes.

While everyone loves a little gossip, especially in our own little professional world, time and again, I find myself managing rumors both within the building and the advertising community.

It's your job to manage this. The first rule of effective P.R. is to manage the message.

Many of us think if we speak to it, we are giving the rumor credibility. And, to an extent that is true … but, when the speculation gets to be rampant and something everyone is talking about, you need to deal with it.

Figure out your message and be consistent. If it's wrong, say it's wrong and shut it down.

And, don't lie. You'll be caught.