Communications

The Information Vacuum: Managing the Public Narrative

Recognize narrative risk, communicate early without outrunning verified facts, and preserve institutional credibility during developing events.

Course Details

Course Overview

Practical Context Before the Next Decision.

This course explains how narratives take hold when agencies leave an information vacuum during a rapidly developing event. Participants examine how traditional media, social platforms, witnesses, advocates, and third parties shape public understanding, then learn how to communicate early without outrunning verified facts. Attendees leave able to recognize narrative risk, organize timely messaging, and preserve institutional credibility.

Designed ForPublic safety and municipal leaders
Format1 day
Course AreaCommunications

Course Focus

Narrative formation in crisis situationsMedia cycles and information gapsManaging external influence and speculationMaintaining message control

Instruction

Meet the Practitioners Leading This Course.

Course leadership is matched to the subject and grounded in direct professional experience.

Matt Petrillo headshot
Instructor of Crisis and Strategic Communications

Matt Petrillo

Matt Petrillo is Director of Communications for Temple University's Department of Public Safety. He previously spent more than a decade in television journalism, including reporting for CBS News Philadelphia on breaking news, crime, public safety, and major incidents. That combination gives him firsthand knowledge of how information is gathered, framed, and distributed under pressure. Matt's instruction focuses on message discipline, media relations, internal coordination, strategic storytelling, and the choices that shape trust before, during, and after a crisis. He helps leaders understand what to say, when to say it, and how communication decisions affect operations and credibility.

Crisis Messaging, Media Relations, Public Narratives, and Organizational Credibility