Neutralized high-profile attack line within 72 hours
6/14/2025
Client: Confidential Campaign
Rapid oppo triage and counter messaging reduced negative press velocity and stabilized coverage.
Objective
Slow the story's velocity, correct the record with sourced proof, and re-center the client's message without amplifying the claim.
Approach
- Consolidated all claims in a single memo, verified against records and filings, and triaged what to rebut, ignore, or contextualize.
- Drafted a concise counter frame with three sourced proof points and prepared Q&A and surrogate talking points.
- Prioritized regional outlets driving syndication, briefed them with documents and timelines, and coordinated a 24 hour surrogate cadence.
Outcome / Impact
- -75% negative headline volume over 7 days
- +30% message penetration in target outlets
- Cycle stabilized within 72 hours
Services used
They got the frame back on our terms within two days.
Background
An opposition claim broke through to several regional outlets and began to syndicate nationally. The early coverage relied on anonymous sourcing and lacked basic context.
What we did
We validated facts against filings, schedules, and prior statements, then issued a single, sourced memo to keep surrogates and principals on one page. We focused briefing on the outlets driving pickup and supplied timelines and documents that clarified the sequence of events.
Result
Coverage stabilized within three days. The preferred frame and language appeared in priority outlets, and the story’s velocity declined without further amplification.