Helpful Public Information?

March 30, 2012 at 4:53 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: fuel crisis

When does public information become particularly unhelpful? When the message is uncoordinated, contradictory and confusing. The Government’s handling of the public information regarding the impending fuel shortage crisis is a perfect illustration of when good intentions to communicate backfire. Messages to stock-up on fuel have been countered with ones not to panic buy, to be replaced by advice to purchase jerry cans to store in the garage – a government minister encouraging the public to break the law! It’s what we call ‘making sure that the left hand knows what the right hand’s doing’ i.e.: prepare a communications strategy, agree what the message is and follow a coordinated implementation plan.

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