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Communications manager outlines media-engagement guidelines for Farmers Branch council
Summary
Ariel Wallace, the city’s communications manager, briefed council on media engagement expectations, crisis communications through the EOC, allowable council statements versus staff operations, and social-media guidance for councilmembers.
Ariel Wallace, the communications manager for Farmers Branch, presented media-engagement principles and practical guidance to the council as part of orientation on June 23.
Wallace said the city uses a council-manager form of government: the council sets policy while the city manager and communications staff coordinate operational messaging. She advised councilmembers they may express personal views but should use disclaimers when those views differ from adopted city positions and should notify the city manager after media contacts so staff remain aligned.
Wallace reviewed crisis communications protocol, saying emergency messages should flow through the emergency operations center and cautioning councilmembers to avoid independent statements during ongoing crises. She described appropriate social-media uses—promoting city programs, reposting official content and responding with factual statements—and identified the city’s primary media outlets (national, local North Texas broadcasters and the community newspaper). Wallace agreed to provide the council with a copy of the city communications policy on request.
Councilmembers asked how to address perceived bias by individual reporters; Wallace recommended relationship-building and careful outreach rather than adversarial responses. No policy changes were adopted at the meeting; Wallace said staff will provide printed policy materials upon request.
