Economists may dispute the beginning (and end) of this latest recession, but there is no argument about the recession’s effect on corporations.  Many companies battled the difficult economic times and an equally important foe:  shrinking confidence in their viability and the information they delivered to the press and public.  In troubled times especially, communicators are a vital link between vested parties.

This issue explores the last 12 months and asks, “how and what do you communicate in troubled times?”  First, two PR pros explain the tact and strategy behind communicating unfavorable news more often and with less resources.  Their responses are seconded by a roundtable of PR leaders discussing the economy’s broad impact on their profession.  From reading many views to just one, meet a professional who knows and reinforces the value of differentiating her company from industry competitors, and the wisdom behind having a communications team around the world ready to handle any issue. 

And finally, in our traditional section dedicated to goings-on in New York, there is a different definition of “troubled times.”  Professionals from American Express and Dow Jones in Lower Manhattan share special stories about how their companies continued to manage effective communications after communications operations were drastically affected by 9/11.

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© 2004 Heyman Associates, Inc.