How to Deal With Bad Media Coverage

What do you do when some blogger or print journalist writes a not-so-positive review of your company or product?

Negative mention in the press or blogging community could hurt your bottomline and reputation. Rachel Meranus of PR Newswire has some suggestions on dealing with bad press coverage:

1. Take no action - News cycles aren’t very long, and bad press usually fades over time. Not responding to an article limits the attention given to it. Responding publicly, on the other hand, can validate the reporter’s claims and train a harsher spotlight on the issue.

2. Contact the news reporter (print journalist) or editor - If the story is factually incorrect or unduly biased, consider contacting the reporter or editor involved. All publications, with the exception of a very rare few, will issue corrections for factual errors. Also, don’t expect the reporter to issue an immediate follow-up story.  Such a response is rare as it would hint to readers that the reporter may have been wrong. 

3. Issue a public response. - Sometimes bad press can damage a business’ or executive’s reputation.  If so, it may be necessary to issue a public response. A straightforward news release sent over the wires and directly to individual publications offers the most efficient means of disseminating information. Link.

Develop thick skin to handle blog criticism