Help! What should I respond to my clients if someone wrote an un-true editorial article against our company?

Question

This morning we received the news that a writter had taken liberty in writtin an article against our program. It's a program that helps low-income families with free food. It's saying we're denying the food to many, which is very untrue because as we all know, people must meet certain requirements to receive it. If your clients or other people call with questions or started to doubt on your program, what would you tell them? What are some things you can do? Anything helps. Thanks.

Answer 1

One way would be to respond with a Letter to the Editor answering the allegations.

However, my suggestion would be to issue a press release. As a non-profit, you should be issuing regular press releases anyway in order to generate public awareness for your agency.

First, develop a list of media outlets in your area: print, radio and television. Simply call the stations or offices and ask to whom you may send press releases. Email addresses work the best because you can send them to everyone quickly. If no email, use a fax number.

Write your press release. Go to this website if you need to know how. . .

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Press-Release

Your press release can speak generally about what your organization does and the requirements needed to participate.

If you can, assign someone in your organizations to prepare regular press releases quarterly or as special circumstances permit - for example during an annual fundraising campaign. Your release may not always get picked up by the press, but it will help you to generate some media contacts and relationships. For example, if the press is doing a story on the plight of the hungry in your town, they may contact you for a quote because they are familiar with your work via your press releases.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Stay out of it. Get used to "someone" not understanding the gov't's position.

Unless it's your job specifically to be the public relations person, just politely mention you "heard" about the article and it's always unfortunate articles focus on the negative. And then move right on.

If the client is persistent about an answer from you, write down the name/phone number of your public relations dept and send them on their way.
Bottom line - government employees, at every level, have to grow thick skin. You can't serve the many by serving just one. And you can't serve just one by focusing on the many...

Answer 3

Tell them what you just told us. There are certain requirements that must be met in order to get food from your program. These requirements are in place for this reason_________. I would also write a letter to the editor of the newspaper and explain what facts in the article are wrong and explain the requirements to be eligible for your program.

Answer 4

Just like the Goverment you can't help everybody.Tell them you do not have unlimited resources and must give to the most needy and that what was said was not true and those who reported it do not have all the facts and that their information is not based on facts but speculation and possibly greed if they were trying to get the supplies. there are many needy and you have rules to follow that's it in black and white, if they have a problem with the truth then it's their problem not yours.

Answer 5

I would prepare a written statement, and send it to anyone who asks. If you can also get it published, especially in whatever place the original article was written, even better - send it to them for sure.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I would publish a formal response to their allegations so that you can clear any questions people may have about it.