Handling a Media Crisis

A club’s core operations — the service of food, alcohol and gaming — present some reputational risks. The most recent significant example has been the debate over the Government’s proposal for a mandatory cashless gaming system, with clubs being asked to make comment on the impact this would have on their patrons, businesses and broader communities. 

As the industry is increasingly scrutinised by the public and regulatory agencies, this can make clubs a media target. 

Attaining media response training is the proactive way to be on the front foot during a crisis. In order to stay in control and preserve a club’s reputation — and that of the industry — knowing how to handle a media interview is crucial. 

If managed in the right way, media interviews can help contextualise and promote your club in a positive light. The media can effectively illustrate trust-restoring messages if handled properly. 
Media crisis response training helps clubs craft their messaging, negotiate interviews and handle news conferences to secure public support. 

Whether a club is facing negative press over a food poisoning outbreak, gaming revenue data or a fine from the regulator, it is crucial to know how its reputation can be managed for the long-term standing of the club and the wider industry.

The Club Education Institute (CEI) is responsive to current events and is now offering courses in Crisis Management, Scenario Training and Media Training. 

CEI has commissioned an external consulting firm that specialises in instructing community and sporting clubs, as well as government agencies and authorities, on corporate communications, media management and stakeholder relations. 

The organisation’s director is an experienced presenter and has a wealth of experience in strategic communications, having held senior positions in the media, government and corporate communications sectors, and has assisted a variety of organisations to navigate high-profile crises, issues and debates.

The Crisis Management course identifies your club's top operational, financial and reputational risks and develops and tests a crisis communication plan to manage media and other stakeholder reactions.

It includes case studies of relevant crises, hands-on assistance in developing your club's crisis management team and response library, and provides a toolbox of crisis communication checklists and templates to prepare your club for any crisis. 

Provided to a small group of five participants, from the same or a similar club, the training is designed to improve club leaders’ confidence and performance in media interviews. We will also provide templates for creating and distributing media grabs, as well as video clips of interviews for review. 

If you would like a personalised course for your club, or would like to register your interest on behalf of yourself or your club’s spokesperson/s, please email [email protected]. For more information on this course, please click here.