Press Release Workshop

jtirrell's picture
  1. Your group will receive another group's Design Plan.
  2. Your group will read the Design Plan (particularly the information about the Press Release) and research the corresponding crisis online.
  3. You group will produce its own Press Release based upon the information in the Design Plan and your own research and post it as a comment below.

Time permitting, we will share in class both versions of each Press Release and discuss the differences.

gregfriendo's picture

Kryptonite Locks press release, from the NBC group

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Kryptonite Designing Corrective Locks
Canton, Ma - January 27, 2010 - After discovering a design insecurity in our current locks, Kryptonite is working to design a better line of locks. In the recent months, customers have brought to our attention that our locks can be opened using little more than a BIC pen. Kryptonite aims to apologize to all of its customers for this flaw, and will work to correct it.

Our first step will be to create a recall program for the faulty locks. Via our website, customers will be able to exchange their insecure locks for our more secure line of products. We will also announce the recall program on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and other various social networking sites. In order to quell the flow of misinformation, all employees will be briefed on the issue, and made aware of the proper protocol for dealing with upset customers. We must stress that we are the ones at fault, and must do everything in our power to rectify the situation and keep our customers.

In order to prevent any further complications, we would request the media not to show the technique used to open the faulty locks. Instead, we would like the media to focus on our recall initiative. All customers will be able to send in their locks for free and receive a new improved product. Our PR employees will be trained to handle any questions or complaints that customers may have, and our support line will be open around-the-clock to help customers get their improved locks.

Contact:
Gregory Friendo
Kryptonite Corp CEO
1-800-555-1234

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Press Release

To our most trusted customers, we at Nokia would like to address the current issues that have been brought to the media's attention.

Many questions have arisen about our intentions in selling our product to the Iranian government. It has been said that our product allows deep-packet inspection, however this information is incorrect. Our product has the ability to monitor local calls by the government, but our servers were sold for lawful intercept functionality. We have followed UN export regulations and code of conduct throughout this entire process. Instead of using our product for unlawful purposes, we had in mind a connection between societies through open sharing of information. We are concerned about human rights, and want to make it known we had no unlawful intentions in the selling of our product.

Nokia has been under the direction of Mr. Kallasvuo for thirty years. During those thirty years we have built up our outstanding reputation. In 2006, nokia was named top of 21 household companies, and over 50% of our customers rated us highly in trustworthiness, product service quality, and business success. We hope to continue that tradition. If you still have other questions, please direct them to our website or one of our service representatives.

eausauvage's picture

NBC Press Release, by the American Apparel Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NBC Presents New Time Slots in Process
January 19, 2010 12:22 PM

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 19, 2010 - In the wake of the scheduling controversy between Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno, NBC announces that management of the time slots is in process. Improvements in the schedules of both shows are expected sometime this week.

The airing times of both shows were changed last week in an effort to improve ratings. NBC realizes that the changes did not help either program, and are now working around the clock to rectify the situation. The corporation asks for the patience and support of their viewers while the issues are resolved.

Rumors that O'Brien or Leno are leaving NBC have been circulating, but CEO Jeff Zucker insists these are completely unfounded.

NBC has recently released the following statement regarding O'Brien's future: "We have the best comedy team in the business. We remain committed to keeping Conan O’Brien on NBC. He is a valued part of our late-night line-up, as he has been for more than 16 years and is one of the most respected entertainers on television."

NBC realizes the impact of their decisions upon the public, and asks for the continued support of their millions of viewers around the world.

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onsw's picture

Press Release for Toyota Group

Recently, new Toyota models have experienced mechanical failure of the accelerator pedal that has caused multiple injuries and death of some vehicle occupants.

"On behalf of Toyota USA, we are making every effort to prevent any further harm and apologize to those affected. It is our goal to make sure this never happens again," said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter

Toyota USA announced the recall of these particular models and the halt of production of new vehicles at five manufacturing plants in the US and Canada.

For their insured safety, customers with any of the following vehicles should immediately contact the nearest Toyota dealership for instructions on how to proceed:
2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia

Toyota drivers that are in doubt of whether or not their vehicle is affected by the recall should contact Toyota USA customer service at 555-555-5555. If you prefer to email or chat with a company representative, simply access our website email or live chat links for Toyota, Scion or Lexus.

Toyota cares about its customers and extends condolensces to all of those affected. As further information is made available, additional press releases and official statements will be published on the company website and delivered to media outlets.

MEDIA CONTACTS ONLY:

Toyota Environmental, Safety and Quality Communications
Brian Lyons (310) 468-2552
John Hanson (310) 468-4718

Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America
Mike Goss
Mike.Goss@TEMA.Toyota.com
(859) 803-1698

Media Web site: www.toyotanewsroom.com
Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com and http://www.lexus.com

djs9018's picture

ReleaseAmerican Apparel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Apparel announces termination of illegal immigrant workers

Los Angeles, July 1st 2009- American Apparel (AA) clothing company announces its plan to hire legal replacement workers to fill the large void left by purged immigrant employees. U.S. immigration and customs enforcement discovered 1800 illegal AA employees that did not appear to be authorized to work in the United States. The company plans to hire legal replacements. The company will also adopt improved screening and hiring processes of potential employees.

“Although AA regrets that these hardworking individuals need to be displaced we will continue to move forward as a company” stated Kelly Carmichael, CEO. The plans will reduce the amount of workers on the floor. Reduced work force will ultimately lower labor costs but production output will remain constant, “Americans do it better” states their CEO. AA wishes to retain its reputation as a company devoted supporting novelty and creativity. These subtle changes will have limited affect on consumer experience.

**Insert Contact info**
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