What role does crisis communication play in journalism?
As part of a workshop under the Marion Gräfin Dönhoff Program, our Co-Managing Director, Michael Behrens, spoke last Saturday in Cologne with aspiring journalists about the challenges and strategies of crisis communication.
🔎 Through interactive role-playing exercises, participants from Germany, Eastern Europe, and Central Asiaexplored their expectations of corporate press offices during crises—as well as the strategic considerations companies must take into account when communicating with the media in difficult times.
👉 On one hand, businesses and organizations are constantly exposed to potential crises—ranging from external events such as natural disasters, terrorism, and cyberattacks to internal challenges like personnel crises, technical failures, or human error.
👉 On the other hand, journalists carry a responsibility when reporting on crises. Their role extends beyond delivering news quickly—they must also ensure accurate analysis and context to inform the public responsibly.
A huge thank you to International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP) and Miodrag Soric for the outstanding organization. The IJP has been facilitating exchanges between young journalists from Germany and 150 countries for decades. These international fellowships foster a deeper understanding of the politics, economy, and culture of host regions. Over the past 40 years, this initiative has built a global network of more than 3,000 journalists.
