Crisis communications
Frameworks for accurate, rapid communication during high-pressure situations.
When to activate
- •Breaking news requires immediate coverage
- •Organization faces public crisis or controversy
- •Misinformation is spreading rapidly and needs countering
- •Emergency situation requires coordinated communication
- •Rapid fact-checking is needed before publication
- •Preparing crisis response plans before incidents occur
Breaking news protocol
First 30 minutes checklist
markdown
## Breaking news response **Event**: [Brief description] **Time detected**: [HH:MM] **Initial source**: [Where we learned of this] ### Immediate actions (0-10 min) - [ ] Verify event is real (minimum 2 independent sources) - [ ] Alert editor/team lead - [ ] Check wire services (AP, Reuters, AFP) - [ ] Monitor official accounts (agencies, officials) - [ ] DO NOT publish unverified claims ### Verification phase (10-30 min) - [ ] Primary source contacted/confirmed - [ ] Location verified (if applicable) - [ ] Official statement obtained or requested - [ ] Eyewitness accounts gathered (note: unverified) - [ ] Social media claims flagged for verification ### First publication decision - [ ] What we KNOW (confirmed facts only) - [ ] What we DON'T know (be explicit) - [ ] What we're working to confirm - [ ] Attribution clear for every claim
Newsroom escalation matrix
python
from enum import Enum
from dataclasses import dataclass
from typing import List
class CrisisLevel(Enum):
LEVEL_1 = "routine" # Single reporter can handle
LEVEL_2 = "elevated" # Editor involvement needed
LEVEL_3 = "major" # Multiple reporters, editor oversight
LEVEL_4 = "critical" # All hands, executive involvement
@dataclass
class BreakingEvent:
description: str
level: CrisisLevel
confirmed_facts: List[str]
unconfirmed_claims: List[str]
sources_contacted: List[str]
assigned_reporters: List[str]
def escalation_needed(self) -> bool:
"""Determine if event needs escalation."""
triggers = [
len(self.unconfirmed_claims) > 5, # Too many unknowns
"fatalities" in self.description.lower(),
"official" in self.description.lower(),
"government" in self.description.lower(),
]
return any(triggers)
ESCALATION_TRIGGERS = {
CrisisLevel.LEVEL_2: [
"Multiple fatalities confirmed",
"Major public figure involved",
"Legal/liability concerns",
"Significant local impact",
],
CrisisLevel.LEVEL_3: [
"National news potential",
"Active danger to public",
"Major institution affected",
"Coordinated misinformation detected",
],
CrisisLevel.LEVEL_4: [
"Mass casualty event",
"Government/democracy implications",
"Our organization directly involved",
"Imminent physical threat",
],
}
Rapid verification framework
The 5-minute verification
When time is critical, prioritize these checks:
markdown
## Rapid verification checklist ### Source check (1 min) - [ ] Who is claiming this? - [ ] Are they in position to know? - [ ] Have they been reliable before? ### Corroboration (2 min) - [ ] Does anyone else confirm? - [ ] Check wire services - [ ] Check official sources ### Red flags (1 min) - [ ] Too perfect/dramatic? - [ ] Matches known false narratives? - [ ] Single source only? ### Decision (1 min) - [ ] PUBLISH: Multiple credible sources, no red flags - [ ] HOLD: Needs more verification - [ ] MONITOR: Developing, don't publish yet
Verification triage system
python
from dataclasses import dataclass
from datetime import datetime
from typing import Optional
from enum import Enum
class VerificationStatus(Enum):
UNVERIFIED = "unverified"
PARTIALLY_VERIFIED = "partially_verified"
VERIFIED = "verified"
DEBUNKED = "debunked"
UNCERTAIN = "uncertain"
@dataclass
class Claim:
text: str
source: str
first_seen: datetime
urgency: int # 1-5, higher = more urgent to verify
status: VerificationStatus = VerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED
verification_notes: str = ""
verifier: Optional[str] = None
class VerificationQueue:
"""Manage claims awaiting verification."""
def __init__(self):
self.claims = []
def add_claim(self, claim: Claim):
self.claims.append(claim)
self._sort_by_priority()
def _sort_by_priority(self):
"""Urgent claims first, then by time seen."""
self.claims.sort(
key=lambda c: (-c.urgency, c.first_seen)
)
def next_claim(self) -> Optional[Claim]:
"""Get highest priority unverified claim."""
for claim in self.claims:
if claim.status == VerificationStatus.UNVERIFIED:
return claim
return None
def update_status(self, claim: Claim,
status: VerificationStatus,
notes: str,
verifier: str):
claim.status = status
claim.verification_notes = notes
claim.verifier = verifier
Crisis communication templates
Holding statement
For when you need to say something but facts are incomplete:
markdown
## Initial statement template [Organization] is aware of [brief description of situation]. We are actively [gathering information / investigating / monitoring the situation]. [If applicable: The safety of [stakeholders] is our top priority.] We will provide updates as verified information becomes available. For media inquiries: [contact] For [affected parties]: [resource/hotline] Last updated: [timestamp]
Correction/clarification
markdown
## Correction notice **Correction [or Clarification]**: An earlier version of this [article/statement/post] [stated/implied] [incorrect information]. [If factual error]: The correct information is: [accurate facts]. [If misleading]: To clarify: [accurate context]. This [article/statement] has been updated to reflect accurate information. We regret the error. [Timestamp of correction]
Retraction (when necessary)
markdown
## Retraction notice **Retraction**: [Publication name] is retracting [article title], published on [date]. [Brief explanation of what was wrong]: Our reporting [stated/relied on] [problematic element]. Subsequent verification revealed [why it was wrong]. [What you're doing about it]: We have [removed/updated] the article and are reviewing our editorial processes. [Accountability]: We apologize to [affected parties] and our readers. The full text of the original article is available [here/on request] for transparency. Questions: [contact]
Social media crisis response
Monitoring during crisis
python
from dataclasses import dataclass
from datetime import datetime
from typing import List, Dict
from collections import Counter
@dataclass
class CrisisMention:
platform: str
content: str
author: str
timestamp: datetime
sentiment: str # positive, negative, neutral, misinformation
reach: int # followers/potential impressions
requires_response: bool = False
class CrisisMonitor:
"""Track crisis-related social mentions."""
def __init__(self, crisis_keywords: List[str]):
self.keywords = crisis_keywords
self.mentions: List[CrisisMention] = []
def add_mention(self, mention: CrisisMention):
self.mentions.append(mention)
def get_dashboard(self) -> dict:
"""Real-time crisis overview."""
recent = [m for m in self.mentions
if (datetime.now() - m.timestamp).seconds < 3600]
return {
'total_mentions_1h': len(recent),
'sentiment_breakdown': self._sentiment_counts(recent),
'top_platforms': self._platform_counts(recent),
'misinformation_count': len([
m for m in recent
if m.sentiment == 'misinformation'
]),
'high_reach_negative': [
m for m in recent
if m.sentiment == 'negative' and m.reach > 10000
],
'pending_responses': len([
m for m in self.mentions
if m.requires_response
])
}
def _sentiment_counts(self, mentions: List[CrisisMention]) -> Dict:
return dict(Counter(m.sentiment for m in mentions))
def _platform_counts(self, mentions: List[CrisisMention]) -> Dict:
return dict(Counter(m.platform for m in mentions))
Response decision tree
markdown
## Should we respond to this? ### High priority (respond quickly) - [ ] Factual misinformation spreading rapidly - [ ] Direct question from journalist - [ ] Affected party seeking help - [ ] Influential account spreading false info ### Medium priority (respond thoughtfully) - [ ] General negative sentiment - [ ] Questions about our response - [ ] Comparisons to competitors' handling ### Low priority / Do not engage - [ ] Obvious trolling - [ ] Bad faith actors - [ ] Pile-on with no new claims - [ ] Emotional venting (let it pass) ### Never respond - [ ] While angry - [ ] With unverified information - [ ] In a way that escalates conflict - [ ] By deleting legitimate criticism
Internal crisis coordination
Communication chain
python
from dataclasses import dataclass
from typing import List, Optional
from datetime import datetime
@dataclass
class CrisisTeamMember:
name: str
role: str
phone: str
email: str
backup: Optional['CrisisTeamMember'] = None
@dataclass
class CrisisLog:
"""Maintain record of all crisis decisions."""
entries: List[dict] = None
def __post_init__(self):
self.entries = self.entries or []
def log(self, action: str, decision_maker: str,
rationale: str, outcome: str = "pending"):
self.entries.append({
'timestamp': datetime.now().isoformat(),
'action': action,
'decision_maker': decision_maker,
'rationale': rationale,
'outcome': outcome
})
def export_for_postmortem(self) -> str:
"""Generate timeline for after-action review."""
lines = ["# Crisis Response Timeline\n"]
for entry in self.entries:
lines.append(
f"**{entry['timestamp']}** - {entry['action']}\n"
f"- Decision by: {entry['decision_maker']}\n"
f"- Rationale: {entry['rationale']}\n"
f"- Outcome: {entry['outcome']}\n"
)
return '\n'.join(lines)
Status update template
For keeping stakeholders informed:
markdown
## Crisis status update #[X] **As of**: [timestamp] **Next update**: [scheduled time] ### Current situation [2-3 sentence summary of where things stand] ### What we know - [Confirmed fact 1] - [Confirmed fact 2] ### What we're working on - [Action item 1] - [owner] - [Action item 2] - [owner] ### Key decisions made - [Decision] - [rationale] ### Immediate next steps 1. [Next action] 2. [Next action] ### Resources needed - [Resource/support needed] --- **Contact**: [Crisis lead name and number]
Post-crisis review
After-action checklist
markdown
## Post-crisis review template ### Timeline reconstruction - When did we first learn of the crisis? - When did we first respond publicly? - Key decision points and timing ### What went well - [Specific success 1] - [Specific success 2] ### What could improve - [Gap or failure 1] → [Recommended fix] - [Gap or failure 2] → [Recommended fix] ### Process questions - Did escalation work as intended? - Were the right people involved? - Did we have accurate information when needed? - Was external communication timely and accurate? ### Specific improvements - [ ] Update crisis protocol to address [gap] - [ ] Train team on [identified weakness] - [ ] Add [resource/tool] for future incidents ### Documentation - All communications archived: [ ] Yes - Decision log complete: [ ] Yes - Media coverage compiled: [ ] Yes
Misinformation rapid response
Counter-messaging framework
markdown
## Misinformation response checklist ### Before responding - [ ] Is this claim spreading significantly? - [ ] Will our response reach the affected audience? - [ ] Could responding amplify the false claim? ### The response formula 1. **Lead with truth** (don't repeat the myth first) 2. **Be specific** about what's accurate 3. **Explain briefly** why the false claim is wrong 4. **Provide source** for accurate information ### Example structure GOOD: "The event starts at 7pm at City Hall. Some posts incorrectly listed the time as 5pm." BAD: "Some people are saying the event is at 5pm. That's wrong. It's actually at 7pm." (Repeating the myth first reinforces it)
Journalist safety during crisis
markdown
## Field safety checklist ### Before deployment - [ ] Editor knows your location and check-in schedule - [ ] Emergency contacts updated - [ ] Phone charged, backup battery - [ ] First aid basics reviewed - [ ] Exit routes identified ### During coverage - [ ] Regular check-ins maintained - [ ] Location sharing active - [ ] Press credentials visible - [ ] Recording when safe to do so - [ ] Not taking unnecessary risks for story ### If situation escalates - [ ] Leave immediately if directed - [ ] Follow crowd flow, don't fight it - [ ] Protect equipment but not at personal risk - [ ] Contact newsroom ASAP
Related skills
- •source-verification - Verify claims during fast-moving events
- •social-media-intelligence - Monitor spread of information
- •interview-transcription - Document statements accurately
Skill metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.0.0 |
| Created | 2025-12-26 |
| Author | Claude Skills for Journalism |
| Domain | Communications, Journalism |
| Complexity | Advanced |