CCD Crisis Communication & Media Relations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best defines a 'holding statement' in crisis communication?
- A legal injunction preventing media from publishing camp information
- A brief, factual statement acknowledging a situation while more information is gathered (Correct answer)
- A detailed press release outlining all known facts
- A script designed to deny responsibility
Correct answer: A brief, factual statement acknowledging a situation while more information is gathered
A holding statement buys time by acknowledging the situation with empathy and commitment to share more information as it becomes available.
Question 2: During a crisis press conference, a reporter asks a question you cannot legally answer. What is the best response?
- Guess at an answer to appear informed
- Acknowledge the question, explain what you cannot address, and bridge to what you can share (Correct answer)
- End the press conference immediately
- Refer all questions to your attorney without explanation
Correct answer: Acknowledge the question, explain what you cannot address, and bridge to what you can share
Bridging techniques allow directors to respect legal constraints while still demonstrating transparency and concern.
Question 3: Which regulatory body or party should typically be notified first when a serious camper injury occurs?
- Local news stations
- The camp's insurance carrier, legal counsel, and licensing agency per state requirements (Correct answer)
- The national camp association
- The camp's social media manager
Correct answer: The camp's insurance carrier, legal counsel, and licensing agency per state requirements
Insurance carriers, legal counsel, and state licensing agencies have mandatory notification windows that must be followed before media outreach.
Question 4: What is the purpose of message testing before a crisis communication plan is finalized?
- To see which statements generate the most positive media coverage
- To identify potential misunderstandings or gaps in key messages with target audiences (Correct answer)
- To train staff to memorize responses verbatim
- To satisfy accreditation requirements
Correct answer: To identify potential misunderstandings or gaps in key messages with target audiences
Message testing reveals how different audiences interpret key statements, allowing refinement before a real crisis occurs.
Question 5: A rumor spreads on social media that a camper drowned at your facility, though the actual incident was a minor water rescue. What should the director do?
- Ignore it and let the truth emerge naturally
- Issue a timely, factual correction through official channels while protecting camper privacy (Correct answer)
- Sue the original poster for defamation
- Confirm the rumor to avoid appearing to hide information
Correct answer: Issue a timely, factual correction through official channels while protecting camper privacy
Timely, factual corrections through official channels counter misinformation while maintaining credibility and protecting privacy.
Question 6: Which principle guides the sequencing of notifications during a multi-camper incident?
- Notify media first to control the story
- Notify directly affected families before general camp community and then the public (Correct answer)
- Notify the board of directors exclusively and let them decide next steps
- Notify all parties simultaneously to ensure fairness
Correct answer: Notify directly affected families before general camp community and then the public
Affected families must always be notified before general communications to avoid learning about their child's situation through public channels.
Question 7: What is 'bridging' in the context of a media interview during a crisis?
- Connecting two different media outlets to share your story simultaneously
- Transitioning from a difficult question to a key message you want to communicate (Correct answer)
- Building rapport with a reporter before an interview
- Sharing confidential information with trusted journalists only
Correct answer: Transitioning from a difficult question to a key message you want to communicate
Bridging is a technique that allows spokespersons to redirect from uncomfortable questions to prepared, positive key messages.
CCD Crisis Communication & Media Relations 3
Which of the following best defines a 'holding statement' in crisis communication?