Effective strategies for media relations for contractors involved with transport projects

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

1-1997

Subject Area

organisation - structures

Abstract

Contractors involved with transport projects are faced with a number of issues. How can they influence the many and diverse stakeholders of their businesses and projects? Many public transport projects are now very much in the political arena. Given increased private financing of projects and a more commercialised public transport system, customer service issues are becoming more important. With a more well organised environmental lobby and interested general public, firms need to look at ways of improving relations with clients, politicians, financiers and communities. The image of transport and construction in the minds of these stakeholders is influenced to a large degree by the media at a national and local level Contractors need to give attention to establishing relationships and involvement with media editors and journalists throughout the project planning stages, construction phase and beyond. Contractors need to develop strategies for the handling of crisis situations which can be crucial in the coverage given to the finn and its work though print and broadcast media. This paper will define a more effective approach to media relations strategies. It will detail the findings of research with media editors, news journalists in the print and broadcast media and those within contracting organisations who are currently involved in the implementation of media relations.

Comments

Permission to publish abstract given by AET.

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