S5 - E16: Doug Levy - Author of The Crisis Communications Golden Hour

Summary: In this conversation, Doug Levy discusses his extensive background in journalism and emergency communications, leading to the writing of his book, 'The Golden Hour.' He emphasizes the critical importance of timely and accurate communication during crises, outlining common mistakes made by Public Information Officers (PIOs) and the evolving role of social media in disseminating information. Levy shares insights on effectively balancing rapid responses with the need for accuracy and understanding community dynamics in communication strategies. Doug Levy shares insights on effective crisis communication strategies in this conversation, emphasizing the importance of quick and credible information dissemination during emergencies. He discusses the necessity of preparation for unexpected crises, the value of building relationships with the media, and the critical role of practice in ensuring effective communication. Levy highlights real-world examples, including the Boston Marathon bombing, to illustrate the importance of having a solid plan and adaptability. He concludes with key takeaways for Public Information Officers (PIOs) to enhance their effectiveness in crises.

Doug's BIO: Doug Levy is a communications strategist, media and presentation coach and freelance writer. He was a reporter for USA Today and other national media for 20 years, covering front-page stories such as crimes, wildfires and other disasters, medical and scientific research, policy debates, and scientific or other misconduct. His first experience as a PIO was leading a volunteer fire department in Maryland in the 1990s. Since then, he led communications at two major universities and served on the emergency management teams. He has helped police and other government officials, medical center leaders, scientists, and universities prepare for, navigate, and respond to crises and adapt in the era of nonstop social media communication, partisan news outlets, and divided communities. His book, The Communications Golden Hour: The Essential Guide to Public Information When Every Minute Counts, has been an acclaimed handbook for public information officers since it was first released in 2018. Find out more at douglevy.com.