When Pets Die: Analyzing the Power of the Media in Menu Foods' Crisis

• In Event: Examing Mediated Communication: Issues of Power, Accessbility, Sourcing, and Framing

Abstract

The media are influential in shaping public perception and play a powerful role in crises. Using Fisher's narrative paradigm as a theorectical framework, this case study analyzes how Menu Foods was not open and accessible to the media; thus, the media presented and ultimately controlled the crisis narrative. Implications and lessons learned are presented to aid organizations during a crisis situation.

Authors

• Kai Western, North Dakota State University

• Robert Littlefield, North Dakota State University