Greeks just the latest to cut comms when they shouldn't

I've spent much of my career arguing with executives NOT to cut internal comms budgets in times of crisis. I've usually lost (most memorably, when Worldcom slashed its European programme after Bernie Ebbers got convicted), and always been proven right.

This week saw the most jaw dropping example of a crisis-driven communications budget cut ever. Greece shut down its national broadcasting system on Wednesday to save money.

Here's why communications is the LAST thing you should cut in times of crisis.

ONE: Information keeps people calm. Lack of it just heightens stress. You must keep the news flowing.

TWO: Getting out of a crisis usually requires some sort of behavioural change. And the best way to inspire that is with a really good communications programme. How are you going to do that if you've cut budget, resources and channels?

THREE: If you don't communicate, someone else will. And they're unlikely to take your line. When you choose to give up control, you can't complain if you don't like the results.
Let's hope Greece's commercial broadcasters can fill the void left by this sad decision