Low and late commenting can be a conscious choice, says the communication professor.
Crisis communication basic principles include quick reaction and taking responsibility, but MP Timo Vornanen (ps) has handled the uproar related to his criminal suspicion differently.
Vornanen apologized the shooting incident that led to the suspicion of a crime caused resentment and damage to reputation on Thursday, about a week after the events.
The case received extensive media attention from the beginning, and in the first days, Vornasen’s comments on the situation were few and defensive.
A similar attitude was seen last year from someone caught in the middle of racism the Treasury minister From Riikka Purra (ps) and in 2021 the Director General of the State Audit Office (VTV). Titti from Yli-Viikariwhich was convicted of official crimes and was dismissed from his position.
From the world the most blatant example of unapologeticness is the US presidential candidate Donald Trumpwhich of his numerous criminal charges despite that, he hasn’t humbled himself in front of the media at all.
Professor of communication at the University of Tampere Pekka Isotalus I don’t think it’s an actual phenomenon, but crisis communication is handled – or not handled – in different ways these days.
Crisis communication has been changed, for example, by social media and the growing desire to communicate in one’s own way and on time. The pressure to react has also increased, as the public and the media demand ever faster information transmission.
Pekka Isotalus, professor of communication at the University of Tampere
The person caught in the middle of the commotion is expected to answer questions as soon as possible and directly.
“Stepping in front of the media in a crisis situation is a really challenging situation that requires expertise. Shame can also be associated with the situation. For example, commenting via social media is easier when you can write thoughtfully. There, the MP also has direct contact with his constituents, to whom he is primarily responsible,” says Isotalus.
Thursday in its published announcement Vornanen appealed to the incompleteness of the preliminary investigation and that because of that he cannot publicly comment on the matter.
At the beginning, other basic Finns were also not reached to comment on the matter beyond short text messages. Procrastination can be a conscious choice, says Isotalus.
“Perhaps it is considered a right of one’s own to be able to work on one’s own schedule and not be controlled by the media. There’s nothing wrong with that. From a politician’s point of view, it can be very appropriate. Of course, the longer the questions remain unanswered, the longer the commotion continues and possibly swells.”
In Vornanen’s case, the contradiction between the logic of the media and politics is highlighted: the former demands quick and direct answers, the latter wants to formulate things carefully.
Sen, whether the implemented communication will produce the desired result will be seen later – in the case of Vornasen, for example, whether he can continue his career in politics or as a police officer.
On Thursday, Vornanen, who was dismissed from the parliamentary group of Basic Finns, announced that he intends to establish his own parliamentary group.