Social Media Tools in Crisis Communications

Feb. 19, 2009 - PRLog -- BOULDER, Colo. – Feb. 19, 2009 – Before any media reported the horrifying – and ultimately heroic – crash landing of US Airways flight 1549, people were hearing the news via photos and updates being posted in real-time on social media sites like Twitter. Social media played an important role coordinating emergency assistance outreach last year when fires endangered the lives of thousands in San Diego and is also credited with helping to elect President Barack Obama.

New media (often also called social media) has become more than just a way to reconnect with old friends. It is, in fact, the most relevant and immediate way for people to get crucial information about breaking news and an increasingly important tool in crisis and reputation management for companies and individuals alike.

Doyle Albee, president and new media practice director at Metzger Associates, will host a teleseminar through Biz Summits for select C-level industry executives Feb. 23 to discuss the phenomenon and the importance - and necessity – of using new and social media during a crisis.

The invitation-only session will provide an overview of the social media landscape and how it is influencing both consumers and members of the “traditional” media, as well as some best practices for harnessing social media tools to communicate during emergencies.

Albee, who has been quoted in numerous publications ranging from The Denver Post to the Wall Street Journal and speaks regularly to conferences on social media. He is also a contributor to such blogs and newsletters as AskDaveTaylor.com, Ragan.com, the Denver Post’s blog and the Denver PR blog. He also writes Metzger’s blog, Media in the New Millennium ( HYPERLINK "http://www.metzgerblog.com" www.metzgerblog.com), which is one of the most respected communications blogs in the Rocky Mountain region.

Albee founded Metzger Associates’ New Media practice more than four years ago, long before most other agencies had an understanding of social media strategies. Metzger programs have included work with Twitter, Facebook, blog development and a number of other social media strategies and tactics.

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Boulder-based Metzger Associates is the Rocky Mountain region’s premier integrated strategic communications firm. Since 1991, Metzger Associates’ new media methodology, capital strategies and keen focus on clients’ business goals have created value for innovative growth companies ranging from the Fortune 500 to venture-backed startups. Metzger Associates has one of the nation’s top track records in developing award-winning communications strategies – gaining the right exposure for clients at the right time.