Gordon Lightfoot Dead???

Would the media always ensure they were publishing accurate and confirmed information on your organization? We all hope so, but if they don't do you have a plan?


Gordon Lightfoot learned of his death this past week while listening to the radio in his car. One of his first concerns was that his daughter, who was at school, would hear of his death.

A reporter for a national media chain received a "twitter" and immediately sent out his own twitter and published a story on the media website advising of Gordon Lightfoot's death. Within minutes media outlets were circulating the story.

One of the purposes of a crisis communications plan and strategy is to assist in correcting inaccuracies.

Gordon Lightfoot's correction plan was pretty simple, call the radio station and do an impromptu interview. Unfortunately it is not always that straight forward.

But the lesson is clear, you may need to use your crisis communications plan even when you do not have a real crisis.