International Association of Taxi Regulators

1. International Association of Taxi Regulators Public Affairs and Media Relations

2. “We Have Met The Enemy And He Is Us!” Pogo

3. Survey Results… • Only a few of the cities surveyed publish newsletters • None of those surveyed provide regular columns or news updates to media • Only a few cities have industry-specific papers/other media

4. Some issue press releases after each regulatory action • Most cities surveyed believe the media’s coverage of their regulatory issues has been balanced • Less than half of the cities surveyed track the number of web site “hits”

5. Fare Service Increase Safety Refusals Why Are We Here? Fare Increases, Service Refusals, Environmental Concerns, Accessibility Issues, Driver Safety Issues… • We Share Common Challenges: Fuel Cost Accessibility Environment and STRIKES!

6. Public Affairs • (city) Public Affairs is a city office that usually handles communication between the city and the media and/or the public. The public affairs office may publicize events and provide information to media outlets, police staff or other city agencies. They also respond to queries from groups, organizations, and individuals.www.datacenter.org/research/cjca/cjca9.htm • Public affairs is a catch-all term that includes public policy as well as public administration, both of which are closely related to and draw upon the fields of political science as well as economics. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_affairs

7. What Puts the “Crisis” in Crisis Communications? • It is a negative happening that jeopardizes the perception of your agency and/or regulated industry’s integrity and ability to protect the public • It is a “withdrawal” of the public confidence you have banked! • Agency should have done something, but didn’t! • Agency shouldn’t have done something, but did! • Emergency just sort of “Happened” -- but the Agency: • Under-reacted! • Overreacted! • Didn’t React at All!

8. Statement or Interview? • A statement protects your ability to focus your message. • A statement prevents spontaneous questioning. • Statements are carefully crafted. • Statements may be distributed to multiple reporters without requiring the presence of an agency head or other principal. • Statements require no interview prep. How do you decide? Think about your goal…. • An interview can convey authoritative knowledge. • In the case of electronic media, an interview can limit opponents’ time on camera during an average 90-second “package”! • An effective interview can communicate sincerity. • Interviews prove there is no evasiveness.

9. You CAN Ask Questions! • Who else is being interviewed? • When does this air/go to print? Where will it air/go to print? • What do you have in the way of background? Can I supplement that for you? • Will this be published/streamed on the Internet?

10. Types of Media • Print • Newspapers, Magazines, Newsletters • Electronic • TV, Radio, Internet News and… BLOGS!

11. What is a Blog?Web Logs=Blogs • Blogs are “vox populi” at its most basic • Blogs can put your finger on the pulse of your constituents

12. What is a “News Cycle?” • The period between “releases” of news and information • Typically thought of as the 24 hours between daily newspapers It’s A New Game Today • A News Cycle Today Can Be One Hour Or Less!

13. The Quote… KISSKeep it simple, silly! • 2 or 3 sentences—no more • Know your “money sentence” • Ask to be “chyron-ed!”

14. Rapid Response—Watch—Listen—Monitor • It’s possible to turn a story around while the news is still on the air! • TiVos and DVR’s • VCRS • Interns • Clip Services • Mayoral Media Offices

15. Constituent Management • An Industry Insider Trumps a “Talking Head” Regulator Every Time! • There is a spokesperson for every occasion driving or running your city’s taxicabs right now! • Stakeholders are passionate about their issues!