At the Bartier Perry Local Council Conference on 20
September 2018, I presented on “Unwelcome media
commentary – what can you do about it?”. In that
session, I looked at the changing legal and media landscape for
Local Councils, and examined strategies for managing unwelcome
media attention. In this bulletin, I look more closely at some of
the external management options available to Local Councils.
A “not uncommon” situation
We are increasingly contacted by councils who are at the centre
of unwelcome media attention, often involving social media and
sometimes involving serious allegations. Although sometimes the
result of unfounded complaints by concerned residents, local media
and “shock jocks”, the seriousness of the allegations,
and their potential effect on council, staff and councillors, make
it necessary for all involved to know their rights and what
processes to follow to contain and manage the situation.
