Interview with Angelica Garcia, Hearst Radio

During today’s uncertain times, marketing and communications pros are being forced to operate through previously uncharted waters. To learn more about navigating this situation, we’ve interviewed communications experts across industries.

This interview is with Angelica Garcia, the Promotions and Marketing Director for Hearst Radio, which includes WBAL NewsRadio and WIYY-FM.

What has been your overarching approach to communication in this time of crisis?

We have been experimenting with several apps and programs to keep in touch. Microsoft Teams and Skype Business have been crucial in gathering a larger number of team members at once in addition to instant messages that are being used throughout the day. 

What do you think has been your most effective communication?

We’re not limiting avenues of communication to just one medium. By having multiple platforms in place, we’re making it  as simple as possible.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge for communicators in the coming weeks and months?

One of our biggest challenges has been bandwidth and some service availability – for example, conference call lines being busy. Additionally, our staff has been adjusting and “getting comfortable” with working from home and not communicating as often.

What advice do you have for people in marketing communications for whom this is their first crisis situation?

Remain calm. We will all hit speed bumps as we transition to a remote work environment. Also, rest assured that we will bounce back. A lot of companies are losing revenue with cancellations and that can lead to uncertainty. You are not alone, the whole world is in this together. It will make us all stronger, and if you’re a part of a larger corporation, you will see unison across different cities and parts of the world. Use this as an opportunity to brainstorm and share ideas.

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