Crisis Media Training & Simulations

Standard media training prepares you for planned interviews. A crisis gives no notice. It demands a separate, specialised approach, where complacency risks lasting damage.

Spokesperson in a blue blazer surrounded by reporters holding microphones

Crisis media training that doesn’t stop at a statement.

Most crisis media training focuses on rehearsing generic holding statements and answering comfortable questions. In a real situation, any unexpected line of enquiry from a journalist immediately exposes this spokesperson and their organisation.

We know that complete preparation is the best protection. Our crisis media training and simulation programs help leaders absorb, implement and pressure-test their crisis communication plan. They learn to work with the media’s presence, demands and timeframes. They build crisis spokesperson capability using repeatable frameworks that fit any incident. Then we run an authentic crisis simulation to build confidence and identify gaps.

Our crisis media trainers and advisors understand the media’s interests in a crisis, and what it takes to survive with your reputation intact. They bring real corporate and government expertise in crisis management and work with you on real incidents.

Crisis media training shouldn’t just satisfy a governance requirement. We equip your leaders with the tools to withstand any damaging incident.

1,600+
Leaders trained
Leaders trained to confidently navigate and manage crisis communications.
3
Communication frameworks
Proven frameworks applicable across all crisis communication scenarios.
100%
Confidential
All client information is kept strictly private and confidential.

Built for leaders whose reputation carries organisational weight.

Whether the audience for crisis communication is media, investors, employees, regulators or the wider community, these are the leaders we prepare.

Corporate executives in discussion around a boardroom table
Public sector leaders seated at a table with microphones during a briefing
Communications colleagues applauding a team member in a modern office atrium
Speaker seen from behind addressing a large seated audience
Man in a white lab coat writing on a whiteboard while a colleague looks on
Receptionist in glasses taking a phone call at a front desk
Corporate executives
C-suite and senior leaders who are the face and voice of their organisation, internally and externally.
Government and public sector leaders
Departmental executives and policy leads who represent their organisation across media, parliamentary and public forums.
Corporate Affairs and Communications professionals
Leaders who prepare and advise their organisation’s spokespeople across media, government and stakeholder environments.
Leaders in public-facing industries
Executives in ASX-listed or other high-profile companies, where poor communication carries reputational or financial consequences.
Technical and subject matter experts
Leaders with deep expertise who must communicate complex information to audiences, where clarity determines credibility.
Leaders managing frontline administrative staff
Specialist advice for handling communication with concerned community members or media and supporting senior leadership, if a crisis emerges.

Every session is built around your crisis communication plan.

We bring your carefully planned crisis strategy to life in a safe environment. Our training and simulations are calibrated to your identified risks, spokesperson capability and wider industry landscape.

Statement architecture under pressure

How to frame and deliver media statements and answer questions when reporters are looking to assign blame. Bridging and deflecting techniques that don't read as avoidance or bad management.

Media liaison capabilitiy

Guidance on managing media interest and the flow of accurate information in a crisis. Analysis of current media relationships, public reputation and social media presence.

Crisis media performance

What journalists want and the tactics they may use in a crisis; understanding what your audience needs to hear from you, and when; responding to emotional or inflammatory questions, and more.

Crisis communication through a simulation exercise

A custom-designed scenario for your organisation to test planning and resilience. Work as a team to manage multiple communication channels, handle new information, speak to media and reassure stakeholders, under real time pressure.

Digital and social context

How a short clip, comment thread or bystander video can shape public perception of an organisation. Understanding that a brief moment taken out of context can create narratives and pull focus from official communications.

Live media conferences

Camera-recorded practice crisis media statements and interviews with professional journalist facilitators. Real-time coaching, replay analysis, and targeted feedback to close the gap between preparation and performance.

Custom-designed to protect your organisation.

Every engagement starts with a conversation, not a generic proposal. We design your program around your organisation’s stakeholders and leaders.

Fantastic. So knowledgeable and engaging.

Senior Communications Consultant
Department of Transport WA

All very professional, knowledgeable and positive. Amazing attention to detail.

Senior Manager
James Cook University

It was clear to me that the facilitator did a lot of prep work to understand all aspects of the issues we deal with. Good practical tools blended with solid experience.

Deputy CEO
National Indigenous Australians Agency

The trainer was phenomenal, who clearly and effectively communicated concepts in a relevant and applicable format.

Mayor
Sutherland Shire Council

Sadly there are not many (if any) companies that train people to the quality that yours does. Your guidance and experience was valuable at all times and assisted us to get our message out and keep on track with organisational changes. Others would do well to invest into this area of senior roles.

Chief Executive Officer
Ambulance Victoria

Absolutely relevant to my needs and has helped me be much more prepared for what could come my way. Well organised and highly effective.

Principal
Ballarat Clarendon College

Very interactive, well tailored to my needs.

VP Investor Relations
BlueScope

The focus on stakeholders was exactly what we needed. Highly relevant and timely with excellent pace and content. The trainer’s style and knowledge was excellent and this assured a superior exercise and result for us.

CEO
Health Workforce Queensland

The trainer was excellent - very clear, very informative and had clearly done a lot of preparation for the day. I am surprised how much I got out of that. I will be recommending it for others.

Technical Director
AECOM

Well researched for our business, engaging and knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable engaging with the team.

CEO and Managing Director
CDK Stone

The training was completely tailored to what I needed. I’m keeping the trainer on my speed dial for future presentations.

Head of Design
Goodman

The sessions were very well tailored to my needs and the organisation. The practical and the information components blended perfectly together to significantly improve my confidence and readiness for media.

General Manager, Client Services
Dementia Australia

Communication & Media Manoeuvres is highly experienced and skilful and has assisted us in delivering challenging messages to all our stakeholders, in an extremely effective, professional manner. I recommend them to other schools seeking a tactical messaging, media training and/or consulting service.

Headmaster
The Hutchins School

Very useful to practise on a case that’s actually very realistic. Good mix of theory and practice.

CEO
Yarra Trams

Absolutely relevant and created a new skills space. Thanks for the insightful views and recommendations.

Client Manager
Munich Re

Extremely knowledgeable and proficient in this space; genuinely interested in equipping us with valuable skills and want us to gain the benefits in our leadership journey.

Director of Clinical Affairs
Cook Medical

Excellent. Concepts were very helpful and informative.

State General Manager
Westpac

Consummate professionals with a wealth of experience in the field of media training, for general media spokesperson work, subject-specific interviews and complex issues management work.

Communications Officer
Australia Post
1

Scoping conversation

We understand your stakeholder landscape, potential crises, and the current status of your crisis communications plan before presenting our program recommendation.

2

Program design

Crisis scenario briefs, stakeholder characters, and session structure are built specifically around your organisation and sector.

3

Immersive training and simulation

Camera-recorded crisis media conferences with professional facilitators. Realistic crisis simulation exercises to pressure-test the plan, with a debrief to identify any remaining gaps.

4

Ongoing support

We are your trusted partner in communicating through crises if they arise. Available on-call when calm and considered advice is needed.

A system that strengthens resilience

25+

Years of experience in crisis media training, across every sector

100%

Programs customised to client context, with no off-the-shelf delivery

6

Expert crisis advisors with backgrounds in senior journalism and communications
BlueScope logo
BlueScope logo

Very interactive, well tailored to my needs.

VP Investor Relations
BlueScope

Designed to fit your leaders and your risk profile.

Crisis media training is not one-size-fits-all. We offer programs that match your organisation’s risk exposure and what your leaders need.

Leadership Team Program

A comprehensive capability program delivered across your executive or senior leadership team. A shared framework, consistent message architecture and individual coaching embedded throughout.
Empty boardroom table with microphones and black leather chairs

Executive Program

A concentrated program addressing a single capability or preparing an individual leader, delivered with the same rigour as the comprehensive program.
Facilitator speaking to a small group of seated participants in a workshop

Crisis Simulation Exercise

A realistic, facilitated crisis simulation built around scenarios relevant to your organisation. Tests the plan, the spokespeople and the decision-making under real pressure.
Silhouettes of five executives around a table during a simulated crisis exercise

Live Crisis Support

When a crisis requires immediate attention. We move quickly to advise you on strategy, communications and relationship management.
Two executives in hard hats on a worksite, one pointing ahead

On-Call Advisory

Ongoing support when you want a trusted communication partner available as new challenges arise, not just when a training session is scheduled.
Two men in suits shaking hands across a desk

Online Delivery

The same rigour as in-person, adapted for executives who operate remotely. Fully facilitated sessions with real-time discussion, exercises and feedback.
Woman smiling at a desktop screen during a video session

Ready to prepare your organisation for a crisis?

A confidential conversation with our General Manager. No obligation. We'll listen, ask the right questions, and recommend a path forward only if there's a genuine fit.

Empty boardroom with a long wooden table, black leather chairs and shelves on a concrete wall