Strategies to be prepared for a risk communication crisis

Abstract

This introductory article describes a multistep process for communicating complex information from the perspective of the communicator. As part of the introduction to a special issue, it suggests three premises grounded in the literature and practice. One is an organization cannot risk communicate its way out of problems created by poor risk assessment and risk management. Second, poor risk communication can undermine satisfactory risk assessment and management. Third, a proactive plan grounded in risk analysis is essential and implemented with periodic training exercises. The article presents a step-by-step communication planning process that has been used in the field. Much of the special issue is devoted to the experiences of practitioners and communication experts in successfully communicating and listening to government and private organization representatives, media representatives, and the public about complex risk issues, focusing on nuclear-related ones. The goal is to add to our collective experience on practices that work and do not work under the many conditions that involve risk communications. The ground is changing under risk communication because of the rapid expansion of media sources and technologies. What worked a decade ago may no longer be best practice. Common to success across media and audience is the need for a planning process that is adaptable to changing conditions.

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