# Communication – Public Relations

## Purpose
This section defines standards for how the brand engages with media, stakeholders, and the public. It ensures messaging is consistent, professional, and aligned with brand values.

## Key Principles
- **Transparency:** Be honest and accurate in all communications.  
- **Consistency:** Align with brand voice and visual identity.  
- **Timeliness:** Respond promptly to media inquiries and public concerns.  
- **Respect:** Treat all stakeholders with fairness and professionalism.  

## Media Relations
- Maintain an updated **press kit** (logo files, brand guidelines, fact sheet, boilerplate copy, media contact details).  
- All media inquiries should be routed through **designated spokespersons**.  
- Provide journalists with **clear, quotable statements** free of jargon.  
- Never disclose confidential or speculative information.  

## Press Releases
- Use a **standard template** (headline, subhead, date, location, body, boilerplate, media contact).  
- Keep language factual, concise, and free of unnecessary marketing hype.  
- Include **approved quotes** from leadership or subject-matter experts.  
- Provide links to supporting resources (website, media library, fact sheets).  

## Crisis Communication
- Maintain a **crisis response plan** with defined escalation paths.  
- All crisis messaging must be pre-approved by senior leadership and/or legal counsel.  
- Use a **single source of truth** for official statements.  
- Monitor and respond across all relevant channels (press, social media, website).  

## Public Statements
- Ensure alignment with **company mission and values**.  
- Avoid making political, cultural, or social statements without leadership approval.  
- Prepare **Q&A briefing notes** for spokespersons before interviews or public appearances.  

## Monitoring & Measurement
- Track media mentions and sentiment using monitoring tools.  
- Maintain a **media log** of outreach and coverage.  
- Conduct post-mortems after major PR events or crises to identify improvements.  

## Examples
- **Correct:** "Our product launch will be on [date]. Please find our press release attached."  
- **Incorrect:** "We can’t confirm, but rumor has it our product will ship soon."  

## Maintenance
- Update press kits and fact sheets **quarterly**.  
- Refresh spokesperson training **annually**.  
- Review PR playbook after any significant campaign or incident.