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Blagojevich’s silence speaks volumes

Written by: Ross Fattori

Article Overview: Don't avoid the media during a crisis

Blagojevich’s silence speaks volumes

Illinois Governor, Rob Blagojevich, has barely spoken a word in public since his arrest on corruption charges over a week ago.

The Governor allegedly tried to sell a senate seat left vacant by President-elect, Barack Obama. I’ve watched this case unfold in the media, and I’m dumbfounded over the Governor’s continuous silence.

Surely, Blagojevich could have held a press conference and offered a statement to the people of Illinois – an apology, an explanation, a promise not to interfere with the investigation, etc.

The problem with remaining silent during a crisis – especially a public crisis – is this: The media gets to frame the entire story. When an accused person clams up, because of an alleged indiscretion, the last thing he should do is remain silent.

Same goes for companies. Last summer, a huge gas explosion ripped through a propane plant in Toronto. One firefighter died in the blaze and thousands of people fled their homes. In the weeks following the explosion, the public waited for an explanation or statement from the company.

The plant owners remained evasive and silent. They clearly didn’t feel the need to communicate with the public about this tragic situation. To this date, the company still hasn’t issued any public statement or offered any apology. With the absence of any voices from the company, the media is left to fill in the blanks.

Lawyers sometimes advise clients to remain silent during an investigation. But normally, the optics of a crisis will favour people or companies that speak publicly, and with honesty, about their circumstances.

If you’re faced with a public relations crisis, don’t dodge the media. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

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Article Tags: apology, barack obama, blaze, clams, corruption charges, dodge, explosion ripped through, favour, gas explosion, honesty, illinois governor, indiscretion, optics, president elect, propane plant, rob blagojevich, senate seat, tragic situation, voices, worst enemy



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