Approach
Methodology built for editorial reality
Our process emphasises preparation, documented scope, and transparent reporting. We describe what we did, what published, and what we learned — without implying control over independent newsrooms.
Discover
We begin with structured conversations — in person at Somerset, by video, or by phone — to understand your organisation, sector context, reputational history, and near-term objectives. We review existing materials, prior coverage, and stakeholder maps. This phase produces a brief that both sides acknowledge before work proceeds.
Align narrative
Messaging frameworks, proof points, and spokesperson roles are agreed with your internal stakeholders. Legal and compliance inputs are incorporated where required. We flag angles that may be factually weak or likely to draw sceptical editorial treatment, and propose alternatives grounded in verifiable evidence.
Prepare materials
Briefing documents, press releases where appropriate, Q&A sheets, and interview prep sessions are produced to a consistent standard. Materials are version-controlled and dated so that teams working under pressure can trust they are using current language.
Outreach and engagement
Media contact is targeted by beat relevance rather than volume. We log outreach activity, responses, and scheduling. For stakeholder engagements beyond media, we coordinate timing with your internal approval cycles to avoid premature disclosure.
Report honestly
Monthly or project-end reports summarise activity, published coverage where it occurred, and qualitative notes on editorial feedback. We explain non-results when relevant — a declined pitch or shifted news cycle is information, not something to obscure. See our coverage page for how we think about earned media measurement.
Issues and crisis overlay
When an engagement enters an acute issues phase, we overlay a faster cadence: shorter approval paths, defined spokesperson availability, and media monitoring with agreed escalation triggers. The same honesty standards apply — we will not promise to kill a story or guarantee a favourable headline. We will help you communicate accurately while protecting operational continuity.
Retainer clients may pre-agree crisis activation terms so that scope and fees for sprint support are understood before an incident occurs. Project clients can engage us specifically for issues work with a defined duration and deliverable list.
Questions about fit or timing? Contact us at [email protected] or review services and anonymised case summaries.