Imagine you are the general manager of a minor league baseball franchise. Your
beloved play-by-play announcer of 30 years makes an offensive comment about a group
of people over the airwaves. Instantly, your team begins to receive negative e- mails and
comments, and fans threaten to never attend another baseball game at your ballpark.
Step One: List the name of your team, the league in which this team plays, and why
there is a need for a press release.
Team name or person:
League or sport of participation:
Reason or need for the press release:
Step Two: Develop a public relations strategy that involves two or three steps. This
strategy should involve damage control and should take into account the target market.
Step Three: Write a press release that performs damage control. Your press release
should be one paragraph or longer. Click on the link in the lesson to see examples of
press releases. Model your press release after these examples.
Step One:
Team Name: The Springfield Thunderbirds
League: Minor League Baseball
Reason for Press Release: The need for a press release is to address the offensive comments made by the play-by-play announcer and to assure fans and the community that the organization does not condone such behavior.
Step Two:
1. Immediately suspend the announcer and issue a public apology on all social media platforms.
2. Meet with community leaders and organizations representing the offended group to discuss ways to make amends and show the team's commitment to inclusivity.
3. Implement sensitivity training for all staff members and provide educational resources on diversity and inclusion.
Step Three:
The Springfield Thunderbirds organization deeply regrets the offensive comments made by our play-by-play announcer and wants to apologize to the community and fans. We do not condone such behavior and have taken immediate action by suspending the announcer. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, and will be implementing sensitivity training for all staff members. We understand the hurt and disappointment caused by these comments, and we are dedicated to making amends and rebuilding trust with our valued fans and community members. Thank you for your continued support.