The Role of PR in Crisis Management Workshop Held
The General Administration of Media and Communications at King Khalid University held an online workshop titled "The Role of Public Relations in Facing Crisis". King Saudi University's Media Department Head, Dr. Ali Dabkal Al-Enezi, delivered the event to more than 1,500 participants. Of noteworthy mention, Dr. Al-Enezi is considered a media expert in the Kingdom and most recently was a Shura Council member.
General Administration of Media and Relations Assistant Supervisor, Prof. Sarah Jaber Al-Salami, moderated the event and focused on the development and role of public relations in institutions, public relations strategies, and the role of public relations in crisis management.
Dr. Al-Enezi explained that the workshop aimed to shed light on communication and crisis strategies and the means to deal with the media in similar situations, adding that effective media response to crisis creates a strong competitive advantage that allows the avoidance of negative reactions from the public, while a weak media response to a crisis can place institutions in a vulnerable position and end its role.
During the workshop, Dr. Al-Enezi commended the distinguished level of crisis management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its various economic, health and media fields, indicating that the Ministry of Health succeeded in various fields, including the media field, which was represented in its press conferences and follow-ups. He highlighted that, through the media, the public received legitimate information and statistics that repressed the spread of rumors and misinformation. Dr. Al-Enezi added that spokespersons representing the Ministry of Health displayed confidence and awareness.
Dr. Al-Enezi also reviewed the speech delivered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in which he delivered a sincere message with determination, action, and confidence. "Rational communication leadership has moved officials and citizens positively and helped moderate safety procedures around the Kingdom," said Dr. Al-Enezi.
The workshop received a large number of questions and participation from the attendees. King Khalid University Spokesperson Dr. Mufleh Al Qahtani commented on the media's response to the COVID-19 crisis, stressing the extraordinary role of the Ministry of Health, which seconded Dr. Ali Debkal Al Enezi's concept that the success of media is based on truth, transparency and trust.
Dean of the Community College in Khamis Mushait, Dr. Ahmed Al-Maree, said: "We must emphasize that the success of Saudi media in this crisis is a result of the leading role official media entities have taken, which have led to the stop of misinformation by unofficial media parties."
In related news, King Khalid University represented by the Media and Communication Department at the College of Humanities held an international scientific conference last year entitled "Media and Crises: Dimensions and Strategies" under the patronage of His Highness the Governor of Asir.
