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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryAgency & IndustryCrisis Communications

Agency & Industry

Crisis Communications

Planning and managing an organization's messaging during events that threaten its reputation.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Crisis communications is the planning and management of an organization's messaging during events that threaten its reputation, such as product failures, data breaches or executive misconduct. It involves preparing response plans, designating spokespeople, communicating quickly and honestly with stakeholders, and monitoring public reaction to limit lasting damage to trust.