SYDNEY—Public relations and issues management firm Sefiani Communications Group and social media intelligence and analysis firm SR7 have formed a strategic alliance to offer clients an end-to-end issues management, crisis communications and risk mitigation service spanning both online and traditional media environments.

The alliance coincides with heightened awareness among business and governments of the risks they face from increased activity on social media forums, and the related spread of information and misinformation online. A recent report from global risk management firm Aon highlighted “brand and image” as the greatest concern for Australasian business leaders, with social media identified as a key contributor to risk.

According to Robyn Sefiani, managing director of Sefiani Communications Group: “Social media have changed the dynamics behind how rapidly and where news breaks. Now, more than ever, the pressure is on corporate leaders and their communications advisers to be able to respond swiftly and effectively when a crisis occurs, through both online and traditional media channels.”

SR7 specialises in identifying and managing reputation risk in digital media environments and counsels businesses, government and institutions on successful social media engagement. Sefiani provides issues and crisis communications counsel as part of its suite of communications services, and has advised clients in a number of high-profile crisis situations.