Political Communications 24/7

The stakes are rising for political communications

“If it was a bar fight, it was all over before anyone got their coat off.” - Ottawa lobbyist Geoff Norquay

A few weeks ago the Globe and Mail featured a piece on the effectiveness of the Conservative Party’s communications. Whether or not their methods are always agreeable is one thing…but the impact of their strategy is everywhere.

"The message control has been well documented. The insight comes from properly reading and analyzing the landscape and the players, and the opportunity is the moment that presents itself to act". - (Globe and Mail)

The strategy used by the Conservatives has resulted in some very influential narratives. They’re always on - analyzing - responding - taking advantage - repeating the message. Their communications efforts are dynamic – they’re living and breathing. Their communications aren’t without mounds of criticism - but there are lessons of value here.

The political landscape is now a constant message battle. It’s not always about campaigning or attack ads. It can be a single issue. The idea isn’t new but the evidence is mounting.
This doesn’t mean everyone needs to take the same approach. Ethics vary. Not every audience will respond to the same methods or messaging.

The focus needs to be on what happens behind the curtains. Other stakeholders need to pay attention to the effectiveness of the elements used by the Conservatives and their external strategists (see Globe article linked in title for details). Content aside, their leadership places a high value (and close watch) on communication - the stakes have been raised - now everyone needs to catch up.

It is time for greater investment in communications outside of election time.
Messaging is less restricted by time, it is more competitive, more interactive. Our attention span is short. Dropping a campaign at election time doesn’t cut it anymore.