I have created my first podcast! This podcast is a discussion on a crisis Universal Music Group is currently facing in the court rooms. Do you think a music label should be held responsible for artists actions? Feel free to share your thoughts on the situation!

Levels of Communication During a Crisis

In Crisis Management last class we learned about three levels of communication when dealing with a crisis. The first is denial posture. This is when a company attacks the accuser, denies, or uses a scapegoat to get out of a crisis. Universal Music would use this tactic if they are less involved in a crisis. As an example, Universal Music Group’s has a partnership with Bally Total Fitness. If Bally Total Fitness were to under-go a crisis such as being accused overcharging it’s users for music, which is sponsored from UMG, Universal Music Group can deny having any knowledge of this action and avoid being a main target in the crisis.

A second level of communication during a crisis is the diminishing posture. This is when a company makes excuses or try’s to justify an action. This communication tactic takes place when a company is more directly involved in a crisis. As an example, if Universal Music Group served meat in their cafeteria and it got many of their employees sick, this would lead to an internal crisis. UMG would then use the diminishing posture and instead of taking responsibility blame the distribution company who their received their meat from. It is not UMG’s fault that a company they have always used to provide their cafeteria food all of a sudden supplied unsafe food products.

The third and final level of communication is the rebuilding posture. This is when a company is highly involved in a crisis and they need to compensate or apologize for an incident which took place. As an example, if one of UMG’s artists were to lash out against a certain religion on national television this would place the artist as well as UMG in a bad light and enter crisis management mode. UMG as well as the artist would have to begin to rebuild relationships by issuing a public apology for the artist’s actions. Compensation may also take place as UMG can offer free CDs and merchandise to keep their main publics at ease of the crisis.

It is important to keep positive and strong relationships with the media so when a crisis hits they will help you get out a desired message to help you get through your crisis. It is also important to train a spokesperson so they know how to address the media during a crisis. One of the worst things a spokesperson can say to the media is “no comment.” This shows lack of knowledge of the situation and makes the media, as well as your publics, think you are hiding or unable to handle the situation. Your spokesperson should be aware of every comment and concern the media has to say about your organization. It is smart to have employees monitor the internet to stay on top of the gossip. The internet is an open airway for anyone and everyone to speak their mind. A spokesperson should be aware of everything being said to be prepared for the worst when addressing the media.

After the crisis is handled an evaluation of the crisis should take place to help the company learn from their mistakes and be prepared for if this crisis should ever happen again.

Winter Games Star

Universal Music Group has a presence in 77 countries around the world. It is the world’s leading music industry with hundred of artists across the globe signed to the label. As an international business with so many artists representing it, it is easy to have positive and negative light shown on your company. I have discussed in my last post something negative and this time I want to share something positive I found.
Canadian teen signer Nikki Yanofksy’s song “I Believe” was chosen to be the official Winter Olympics theme song used in broadcaster coverage. First off, having your song to be chosen to represent the 2010 Winter Olympics is HUGE!!! Universal Music Group was placed into soaring spotlight alongside young Nikki and has worked wonders! After some time the song rose to Billboard Canadian Hot 100’s #1 spot! Because of all the great publicity and soaring chat of Universal Music Group’s fantastic artist, sales for her record as well as many others on the Universal Music label went up higher then seen in a very long time.
Having this type of publicity for your company is incredible. Nikki Yanofksy, as a young 16-year old girl, will always be remembered with the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Her career is on the rise and I wouldn’t be surprised if we started hearing more of her songs here in the United State on our radio stations.

Universal in the Spotlight

Slowly but surely rumors of Jay-Z being a Freemasonry has been floating around the internet world. Apparently a website called Vigilant Citizen, known for obscure rants, debates whether or not Jay-Z associates with occultists and Freemasons. The allegation branches from Jay-Z’s music video “Run This Town” questioning the message of the song and more specifically the lyrical line “Pledge your allegiance.” It is thought Jay-Z is announcing to be a new ruler and telling his followers to wear all black to honor him. The lyrics are said to contain hints to Freemasons, particularly in the line “I gave Doug a grip” referencing the Mason’s secret handshake which are also referred to as “grips.”

When reviewing this claim from a more knowledgeable stand point it is to be known that a “grip” can also be known as a bundle of money. Jay- Z was in fact referencing his $5 million buyout of Def Jam Records from Universal Music Group. The name Doug comes from the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Doug Morris who he initiated the contract with.

Could you really imagine all-star American rapper with a marriage to infamous singer Beyonce Knowles being a devil worshiper? I don’t think he has enough time between owning the 40/40 Club, NBA’s New Jersey Nets, his clothing company Rocawear, founder to Roc-A-Fella Records, and I can’t even continue listing because it’s just too ridiculous an idea. In December 2009 Jay- Z was voted as the 10th best overall artist, the 5th top male solo artist, and the 4th top rapper of 2000-2009 by Billboard Magazine. He will continue to be a strong music presence and let’s hope occult websites such as Vigilant Citizen leaves him alone!